Neymar earns Brazil recall for friendlies

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has been recalled to Brazil's squad for friendlies against Colombia and Peru next month after an injury-enforced layoff, national team head coach Tite said on Friday.

Real Madrid teenager Vinicius Jr was also included as one of five uncapped players in Brazil's 23-man squad, joining Flamengo forward Bruno Henrique, Santos left-back Jorge, Udinese central defender Samir and Ponte Preta goalkeeper Ivan.

Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus was absent from the list because of suspension while Gremio forward Everton was also left out to allow him to play in the Copa do Brasil final, should the Porto Alegre club win their semifinal against Athletico Paranaense.

Neymar has played just 21 minutes for Brazil since November last year. A metatarsal injury sidelined him for friendlies against Panama and the Czech Republic in March and he tore ankle ligaments early in his international return against Qatar on June 5, an injury that ruled him out of Brazil's home Copa America triumph.

The 27-year-old has not featured in any of Paris Saint-Germain's pre-season matches amid speculation linking him with Real Madrid and his former club Barcelona.

Tite said he was unconcerned by Neymar's lack of recent playing time.

"We had a phone conversation and he told me that he is feeling very good physically," Tite said. "If I have a player of Neymar's quality available I'm not going to pass up the chance to include him."

When asked about Neymar's club situation, Tite replied: "Ethically speaking, I don't feel comfortable suggesting what he should do. He has the autonomy to make his own decisions and he has to decide what's best for him. I hope he makes the right choice but I have no right to tell him what he should do."

Brazil face Colombia in Miami on September 6 and Peru in Los Angeles four days later.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Ederson (Manchester City), Ivan (Ponte Preta), Weverton (Palmeiras)

Defenders: Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Thiago Silva (PSG), Samir (Udinese), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Daniel Alves (Sao Paulo), Fagner (Corinthians), Jorge (Santos)

Midfielders: Allan (Napoli), Arthur (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fabinho (Liverpool), Lucas Paqueta (Milan), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)

Forwards: Bruno Henrique (Flamengo), David Neres (Ajax), Firmino (Liverpool), Neymar (PSG), Richarlison (Everton), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid). Enditem

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