Brazil have called up teenage forward Endrick to replace Neymar for this month’s World Cup qualifiers after the Santos attacker picked up a muscle injury.

Neymar was due to make his Selecao return after a 17-month absence because of a knee injury which he sustained against Uruguay in October 2023.

But the 33-year-old has now had a further setback, ruling him out of the qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

“The return seemed so close, but unfortunately I won’t be able to wear the most important jersey in the world for the moment,” he wrote on Instagram.

“We had long conversations and everyone knows of my desire to return, but we agreed that it’s best not to take any risks and prepare as best as possible to completely eradicate the injury.”

Following a difficult spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Neymar moved back to boyhood club Santos in January and has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven appearances in the Brazilian top flight.

Only Cafu (142) has more caps for Brazil than Neymar (128) – who is his country’s record scorer with 79 goals, two more than Pele.

Brazil head coach Dorival Jr has also called up Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri for Manchester City’s Ederson and Flamengo defender Alex Sandro to replace team-mate Danilo.

Endrick, 18, has made 28 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions this season, scoring six goals.

He has made 13 senior appearances for Brazil and scored three goals.