Neymar is back on the pitch after over a year off because of a torn ACL, yet he will not participate in Brazil’s final two World Cup qualifiers this year against Venezuela on November 14 and Uruguay five days later.

Brazil’s coach, Dorival Júnior, announced on Friday that the renowned striker was omitted from the squad. Neymar made his return to play for Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite on October 21.

“He is fully recovered, but he has had just a few minutes of play, which was a major factor,” Júnior explained. “Come next year, he’ll have more playing time and will completely regain his confidence.”

Brazil’s November Roster

Goalkeepers: Weverton (Palmeiras), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Manchester City).

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Abner (Lyon), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain).

Midfielders: André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Raphinha (Barcelona).

Forwards: Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Botafogo), Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Estêvão (Palmeiras), Savinho (Manchester City).