Neymar from Brazilian selection for Copa America

Rio de Janeiro: Neymar has been left out of Brazil’s Copa America squad as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury, the country’s football association said on Friday.

Neymar has not played since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus of his left knee in October and the 32-year-old was given little chance to be fit for the tournament in the United States, which starts on June 20, Xinhua reported.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro and Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison also missed the match as they struggled with poor form and injuries at their respective clubs.

As expected, manager Dorival Junior named Real Madrid-bound Palmeiras teenager Endrick in his 23-man squad.

The forward, who will join Real Madrid in July when he turns 18, scored for Brazil in a 1-0 win over England at Wembley Stadium and in a 2-2 draw against Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu in March.

Brazil starts its Copa America campaign against Costa Rica on June 24 in Los Angeles and will also face Paraguay and Colombia in the group stage.

Selection Brazil:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City) Bento (Athletico Paranaense)

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Guilheme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Wendell (Porto), Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) )

Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)

Forward: Endrick (Palmeiras), Evanilson (Porto), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Raphinha (Barcelona), Savinho (Girona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).