Brazilian forward Neymar has responded to critics who continue to question his physical condition ahead of the World Cup.
Neymar was omitted from Santos’ lineup in Tuesday’s 2-2 league match against Mirassol, which was attended by Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Santos’ coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda refuted rumors regarding Neymar’s injury, stating that the forward was rested midweek to manage his workload.
“He has no injury or anything,” Vojvoda remarked about Neymar. “He feels no pain. It’s true that he is a player who has been inactive in recent years, so we must be cautious with his load.
“He will be ready for the match against Corinthians [on Sunday].”
Neymar, 34, took to social media to clarify the situation.
He stated: “Since many people are forming theories about my situation: nothing is wrong. If I play while injured, as they claimed last year, I am at fault. If I only consider myself, I am at fault.
“If I take it easy, I am at fault. If I play through pain or something that could worsen it, I am at fault. It’s complicated, huh? It’s very challenging to get it right, man. Very challenging, very challenging to satisfy everyone.
“What surprises me the most, I mean, it doesn’t surprise me, is the people, these individuals who seem to be by my side every day and start fabricating stories, asserting this, as if it were the ultimate truth in the world, as if they were the possessors of reason. It’s very complicated to be me, my goodness. I have to have the patience to deal with you all, you know?”
Neymar, 34, returned to action for Santos last month after undergoing minor left knee surgery on December 22.
He is concentrating on securing a spot in Brazil’s World Cup roster.
Injuries have kept Neymar, his nation’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, from representing Brazil since October 2023.
“I want to emphasize that he is a very significant player for all of Brazil,” Vojvoda stated. “He’s preparing himself. He’s a crucial player for Santos and he will deliver. When I observe him in training, I sense something special. There aren’t many players like him, and we need to take care of this type of player.”
On Monday, Ancelotti will announce the Brazil squad for this month’s friendlies against France and Croatia.
Brazil will face France on March 26 at the Gillette Stadium in Boston before taking on Croatia on March 31 in Orlando.
