Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains hopeful that Neymar will be fit for the start of the FIFA World Cup despite the forward’s recent calf injury.
The Brazilian star suffered a calf strain and was expected to spend up to three weeks on the sidelines. However, Ancelotti said Neymar’s recovery is progressing well and he could still be available for Brazil’s opening match against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.
“We believe he’ll be back very soon and if he doesn’t make it for the opener, he’ll be there for the second game,” Ancelotti said on Saturday.
Neymar will miss Brazil’s two friendly matches before the World Cup. The five time world champions face Panama at the Maracana on Sunday before travelling to New Jersey on Monday for their tournament base camp.
Brazil will then play Egypt in Cleveland on June 6 in their final warm up match before the World Cup begins.
The 34 year old forward’s place in Ancelotti’s 26 man squad surprised many observers. Neymar had not played for Brazil for almost three years because of injuries and inconsistent form.
Despite that absence, his record with the national team remains unmatched. Neymar is Brazil’s highest goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the Selecao.
The upcoming tournament will be Neymar’s fourth World Cup. Brazil will hope their star forward can return in time and add another chapter to his international career.
