David Luiz: Neymar return 'fundamental'

Defender David Luiz said Monday that Brazil have been buoyed by the return of their captain and talisman Neymar for Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

Neymar missed the Selecao's first two qualifers as he served the remainder of a four-game ban issued after his sending off in Brazil's 1-0 loss to Colombia in June.

The 23-year-old hit top gear with a starring role in Barcelona's 3-0 Liga victory over Villarreal at the Camp Nou on Sunday. The former Santos forward scored a brace, his second goal a stunning volley after audaciously flicking the ball over his opponent with a reverse sombrero.

"It's always important to have Neymar," Luiz told reporters upon his arrival in Sao Paulo. "Apart from his ability to influence matches, his presence within the group is fundamental. He makes us stronger in all aspects and his return gives us a lot of confidence."

Argentina will be without injured four-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi for the clash at River Plate's Monumental stadium. But Luiz said the Albiceleste have a host of other possible matchwinners.

"They are without the best player in the world but that doesn't mean they don't have other players that can make a difference, just like we do," said the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back.

"Even though the match is in Buenos Aires, we are capable of playing well," he added.

Brazil's squad will prepare for the fixture in Sao Paulo before flying to Buenos Aires on Wednesday afternoon.

The Selecao are then due to travel to Salvador, where they will host Peru on Nov. 17 while Argentina face Colombia in Barranquilla on the same day.

Brazil are currently fifth in the 10-team South America zone standings while Argentina are seventh.

The top four teams at the end of the two-year qualifying campaign earn a direct berth at the World Cup in Russia. The fifth-placed team will play off for a spot against the top-ranked side from Oceania. Endit