Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will miss Brazil’s opening game of the World Cup against Morocco on Saturday.
The 34-year-old has been struggling with a calf injury and is yet to return to full training.
Manager Ancelotti says the former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward will start training with the squad next week, making his availability doubtful for Brazil’s second match – against Haiti on 20 June.
Brazil conclude their group campaign against Scotland on 24 June.
Ancelotti said: “Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible.
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“The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week. When we call up Neymar, we call him not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience and the example he can set for the young players in this group.”
Neymar has not played for the Selecao since 2023 amid his struggles with injuries but was selected for the World Cup ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham forward Richarlison.
He has scored 79 goals in 128 caps and is Brazil’s record goalscorer, surpassing Pele’s total of 77.
The Santos forward could play at a fourth World Cup, having also represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
1 Comment
I feel this carlo ancelotti still gat beef with chelsea……
Cos I can’t just imagine the reason where he carried an injured neymar to the world cup and left out jao pedro who scored 15 epl goals for chelsea despite their poor form this just concluded season….
And talking about the beef, it can be traced back in 2011 when he was sacked for going trophyless….
He felt he deserve more time expecially after winning double for chelsea (epl and fa cup) in his debut season….(2009/2010)…
The part where he was caught on camera furiously shouting at David Luiz for what he felt caused the chicharito man u goal against chelsea played a part too in his sacking…
And this was an italian who is known for being calm always chewing his gum…
Man was just losing it….
Especially the unity, loyalty and respect of the dressing room
The touchline fury with david luiz was really unprofessional….
Most coaches will normaly wait till its half time and in the dressing room before they go venting their anger on you…
David luiz was however substituted ar half time….