Neymar of Barcelona return a boost ahead of ‘war’ with Messi-less Argentina: Dunga

Brazil coach Dunga has welcomed the return of captain Neymar ahead of what he has labelled a ‘war’ with Argentina next month.

The Barcelona attacker was named in Dunga’s squad on Thursday after completing his four-match suspension following a red card against Colombia in June’s Copa America.

And with Lionel Messi likely to miss the clash due to a knee injury, Dunga is delighted to welcome back Neymar as the two South American giants resume their historic rivalry,

Argentina have quality players and they will get over not having a player like Messi,” Dunga said.

“When you play Argentina it's always a war. It is a league apart, there's this great rivalry, which always makes it difficult.”

“We have to play smart, fully aware that every play, every tackle, could be decisive. Brazil will have to be focused and at our best.”

He added: “We did not have Neymar at the beginning [of qualification] and we were happy to have him back. He greatly increases our potential.

"Now we have options. Now we must work train and that will define where to play him. We have already seen Argentina’s games and we must decide where is best for him to feature him and how the other plays will fit around him.”

Dunga also confirmed that he is pleased with David Luiz’ ongoing recovery from the knee injury he suffered in this month’s 2-0 defeat to Chile in Santiago.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender missed the victory over Venezuela and is yet to return to action for his club, but Dunga is confident he will return for the showdown in Buenos Aires.

“We talked with him yesterday. We talked for half an hour and he was back in training,” Dunga confirmed. 

“He is okay, he’s recovered, and could have played [against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday].”

Brazil meet Argentina at the Monumental on November 12 before hosting Peru on November 17 in Salvador.