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Injured Neymar out of Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers

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Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay next week because of a groin injury he sustained playing for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Brazil's football confederation confirmed on Thursday that Neymar will not play in the South American qualifying match on Tuesday in Montevideo.

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PSG coach Thomas Tuchel last week said it would be "impossible'' for Neymar to play for Brazil as he recovered from the injury, but Brazil coach Tite insisted that the striker travel.

Neymar had already been ruled out of Friday's game against Venezuela. Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said Neymar's recovery after four days off training was not enough.

Tite called up Flamengo striker Pedro for the matches, without removing Neymar from the squad.

Brazil had lost five players for the two matches, including injured midfielders Philippe Coutinho and Fabinho, and defender Rodrigo Caio.

Defenders Eder Militao and Gabriel Menino were ruled out after contracting COVID-19.

Pedro was selected for Brazil in September 2018, but was unable to make his debut after sustaining a series knee injury.