Brazil wants Neymar from Santos: Dunga

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IANS Rio de Janeiro
Last Updated : Aug 29 2014 | 8:55 AM IST

Brazil coach Dunga has said he expects Neymar to be fully fit for the Selecao's friendlies against Colombia and Ecuador next month.

The 22-year-old missed Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Elche in their opening La Liga match of the season last Saturday after suffering an ankle injury during training, reported Xinhua.

But Dunga is expecting the forward to join his national teammates for the first time since the World Cup when they gather in Rio de Janeiro Monday.

"Our doctor (Rodrigo Lasmar) is in contact with all of the clubs and has spoken to all of the players. We don't expect to have any problems," Dunga was quoted saying by Globoesporte.

Brazil will play Colombia in Miami Sep 5 before meeting Ecuador in Boston four days later.

The matches will be Brazil's first since Dunga replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari as coach following the team's failure to reach the World Cup final as hosts and pre-tournament favourites.

Dunga said he wanted to see Neymar rediscover the form he showed with Santos before moving to Barcelona in May 2013.

"We want to see the Neymar from Santos: creative, spontaneous and a key player for the national team, without losing the enthusiasm which is his trademark," Dunga said.

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First Published: Aug 29 2014 | 8:50 AM IST

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