Neymar still out of Brazil squad despite comeback

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar will not be called up to the Brazil squad for next month's international friendlies despite returning from injury, head coach Tite has confirmed.

Neymar missed the World Cup in Qatar after sustaining a ligament injury playing for Brazil in November, but the 31-year-old marked his return for PSG last month against Strasbourg.

Having regained fitness, Neymar has featured in all three of PSG's games since the resumption of the Ligue 1 season last week, providing an assist in Tuesday's 2-0 win at Angers.

However, Tite, speaking at a news conference on Friday, revealed that Neymar will not be part of Brazil's squad for their upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia in France at the end of March.

Tite, who oversaw Brazil's disappointing quarterfinal exit in Qatar, omitted Neymar from the squad that travelled to the World Cup due to injury concerns.

And the head coach has opted not to rush Neymar's return to the international fold, with Brazil's next competitive fixtures not until the Copa America in June.

"Neymar is not in a physical condition to play for the national team yet," said Tite.

"He needs to reach his best physical condition before we can call him up again."

Brazil will face Ghana in Le Havre on March 23 and Tunisia in Paris four days later before their next competitive fixtures against Uruguay and Colombia in World Cup qualification in September.