Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident that Neymar still has the opportunity to return to full fitness and participate in the FIFA World Cup.
Neymar, 34, aims to compete in his fourth World Cup this summer, but injuries have sidelined him from representing Brazil since October 2023.
“He has the potential to return to 100%,” Ancelotti stated to L’Equipe when discussing Neymar.
“He is being evaluated by the CBF [Brazil’s Football Confederation] and by myself, and he has two months remaining to demonstrate that he is capable of playing in the upcoming World Cup.”
The former Paris Saint-Germain player, who holds the record as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not been included in any of Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian’s appointment in June.
“I have mentioned this numerous times, and it is quite clear: I will select players who are physically prepared,” Ancelotti emphasized.
There are demands for Neymar to be part of Brazil’s World Cup roster. Supporters chanted Neymar’s name during Brazil’s 2-1 loss to France in last month’s World Cup warm-up match.
“Neymar has made, and continues to make, significant contributions to Brazilian football,” Ancelotti remarked. “He is an exceptional talent, and it is only natural for people to believe he can assist us in winning the next World Cup.”
Neymar underwent minor surgery on his left knee on December 22. Earlier this month, he had a knee procedure during the international break to ensure he is “ready to go” ahead of the World Cup in June.
“Following his knee injury [in December], Neymar has shown good recovery,” Ancelotti noted.
“He is scoring goals. He must continue on this path and enhance his fitness. He is progressing well.”
Neymar missed his team’s last two matches but played the full 90 minutes in Santos’ 1-0 league victory over Atletico Mineiro on Saturday.
“Neymar is improving with each match,” Santos coach Cuca commented.
“He has been putting in extra training. His ball movement has significantly improved, and he is likely to continue getting better. It is a risk to play him for the entire 90 minutes; we will assess his capacity, and we will aim for him to play on Tuesday.
“We are thrilled to see him enjoying the game as he did.”
