Guimaraes Highlights Neymar's Crucial Absence in Brazil's World Cup Qualifiers
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Synopsis
On March 19, Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes remarked on the significant impact of Neymar's injury-related absence from World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, calling it a major loss for the five-time champions.
Key Takeaways
- Bruno Guimaraes emphasized Neymar's leadership role.
- Neymar's absence is felt by players and fans alike.
- Endrick steps in as Neymar's replacement.
- Brazil needs victories to secure World Cup qualification.
- Guimaraes believes in overcoming pressure for success.
Rio de Janeiro, March 19 (NationPress) Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes expressed that Neymar's absence from the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina due to injury is a significant setback for the five-time world champions.
The star player has been ruled out of the match against Colombia in Brasilia on Thursday and the encounter with Argentina in Buenos Aires next Tuesday after sustaining a thigh injury while playing for Santos.
"We will miss him - not only the players but also the fans," Guimaraes told reporters. "He is a leader, our number 10, the best player we have had in the last 10 years. We hope he recovers soon. It is a great loss for us."
Neymar has been replaced in manager Dorival Junior's 23-man squad by teenage striker Endrick, who will compete for a position in Brazil's attack alongside Real Madrid teammates Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, reports Xinhua.
Brazil currently ranks fifth in the 10-team South American zone qualifying group with 18 points from 12 matches, trailing leaders Argentina by seven points.
Two victories could be sufficient to ensure Brazil's qualification for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while two defeats could jeopardize their campaign.
"I believe that everyone who plays for Brazil is accustomed to pressure," stated Guimaraes, who was part of the Newcastle United team that triumphed over Liverpool in the League Cup final on Sunday, ending the club's 70-year major trophy drought.
"We don the most prestigious jersey in football, and our mentality is to fight like lions every day. With two wins, we can progress towards qualification, but two losses would increase the pressure on us. We must manage that pressure and ensure we perform at our best," he added.
