Soccer-No one should assume Neymar's role in Brazil, says coach ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Soccer Football - World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Brazil Training - Granja Comary, Teresopolis, Brazil - November 14, 2023 Brazil's Endrick during training REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

(Reuters) - No player in Brazil should feel pressure to take over the role of Neymar, sidelined with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, coach Fernando Diniz said ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

The 31-year-old captain underwent surgery earlier this month after picking up his left knee injury on international duty, with his recovery expected to last until mid-2024.