Brazil has faced challenges in recent years, with a decrease in the flair that fans used to enjoy. Many felt that Neymar Jr was the last player who could bring back that confidence. However, he was not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s latest squad announcement.
Neymar disagreed with Ancelotti’s reasoning for why he was not called up. He claimed that his physical issues were not as severe as the coach indicated, even though Ancelotti stated that fitness was the main reason for leaving Neymar out of the upcoming games.
“I had minor inflammation in the adductor. It was uncomfortable, but not serious. I even played today. I wasn’t going to play against Bahia last Sunday due to suspension. So they just preferred to keep me out of training for recovery,” Neymar shared after Santos drew 0-0 with Fluminense.
Ancelotti upheld that Neymar’s absence was due to fitness concerns, but Neymar disagreed. “I think I was left out for technical reasons; my physical condition wasn’t the issue,” he said, adding that he remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Will Neymar play in the World Cup?
Ancelotti has not yet finalized his player list for the World Cup. He took over as coach over the summer, but Neymar still seems to be a key player for him. The Italian coach emphasized Neymar’s importance in a press conference.
“We don’t need to test him. Everyone knows his capabilities. Like the others, he must arrive in good physical shape to help the team succeed at the World Cup,” Ancelotti stated. Neymar is aware of the expectations placed on him, and everyone knows Brazil needs him performing at his best.
Brazil has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. In the last two matches of the Conmebol qualifiers, they will play against Chile at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, then travel to Bolivia. These games will be crucial for Ancelotti to finalize his plans before the tournament.