Santos shared a contradictory update on Neymar's fitness after the superstar was snubbed by Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian suggested injury concerns were behind the decision, claiming the forward had suffered another setback. For a player desperate to make his mark at next summer’s World Cup, it was a bitter pill to swallow.

Neymar’s career faces fresh scrutiny after another injury and a Brazil squad omission. Despite returning to form at Santos following his 2023 ACL injury, he remains out of national team coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for technical reasons. Legendary striker Ronaldo defended the forward, insisting “we don’t have another player like him” and urged Neymar’s return ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Former Paris Saint-Germain star Rafinha has explained why the era of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in the French capital never worked. The trio played together at PSG for two years from 2021, when Messi joined the club from Barcelona on a free transfer, and lasted until 2023 when both the Argentine and Neymar left for Inter Miami and Al-Hilal respectively.

Neymar’s camp have approached both Napoli and Inter ahead of a potential free January move, but both Italian clubs have already turned down the chance to sign him. The Brazilian forward, who will be out of contract at the end of 2025, is determined to return to top-level football as he eyes a Brazil recall for next year’s World Cup.

GOAL's Football on Trial returns with judge Asim Chaudhry deciding whether Neymar and Zinedine Zidane are overrated or underrated as GOAL's Front Three give evidence.