Chelsea winger Willian has been called up for Copa America instead of Neymar, the Brazilian Football Confederation revealed on Friday. The PSG star was ruled out of the competition after suffering a 'severe sprain of the outer lateral ligament' in his right ankle during a 2-0 friendly against Qatar on Thursday.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior or Lucas Moura from Tottenham were considered as the favourites to replace Neymar, however, the Selecao boss Tite decided otherwise.
Willian, 30, has received the call up for the first time since the 2018 World Cup.
"The attacker Willian, of Chelsea, has been called up by the Brazil national team and will play the 2019 Brazil Copa America," the BFC said in a statement. "He has been called to replace Neymar, who was dropped from the squad following the friendly against Qatar."
Neymar, whose career has been kind of fading ever since the Brazilian left Barcelona for PSG, has been constantly linked with a possible return to Camp Nou. Moreover, Barca bosses have also been reportedly considering bringing Ney back from PSG and restoring him as a part of the attacking trident. However, the forward's injury puts their plans in danger.
On top of that, rape charges against the player are obviously a concern for any club that would want to sign Neymar. Some of the sponsors of Brazilian superstar have already suspended their advertising campaigns following the scandal, as his agents said Friday.
