Brazil President Labels Neymar As Player 'Who Works From Home'

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 20 (Bernama-dpa) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has jokingly described injured football star Neymar as a player "who works from home," drawing laughter from the audience at an event in Belo Horizonte, German Press Agency (dpa) reported. 

The veteran was surprisingly named in the World Cup squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti but has a calf problem. 

"I read yesterday that Neymar is the first player in the world to be called up who works from home," Lula said in reference to workers who now stay and work in their home rather than go to the office in the post-pandemic era.

"I think one day we will have to field a national team with artificial intelligence: 11 Pelés," Lula added.

Injured attacker Neymar has not yet featured at the World Cup in the United States (US), Canada, and Mexico. In the opening 1-1 draw against Morocco, he at least followed the match from the touchline. 

However, he did not travel with the team to Philadelphia for the Selecao's second group match against underdogs Haiti later on Friday.

The 34-year-old will continue to work on his comeback at Brazil's base in New Jersey, the association said.

Neymar has not played a competitive match for just over a month because of the calf injury. This week, he was at least able to train on the grass again, at times with the ball, and briefly even as part of a group with his teammates.

-- BERNAMA-dpa