Neymar missed Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia due to a minor leg muscle injury. Later, he said his absence was for technical reasons.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar still has a chance to return to the national team. He stressed that the 33-year-old must stay fit.
“We all know Neymar’s talent,” Ancelotti told ESPN Brasil on Friday. “Modern football requires players to be in top physical condition. If he is fit, he will have no problems playing for Brazil.”
Ancelotti added that Neymar’s fitness will be key for next year’s World Cup. “Everyone wants Neymar in the team in good shape. I spoke with him. I told him he has time to prepare and help the team give their best at the World Cup,” he said.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023. He suffered a serious knee ligament injury that affected his comeback. Since returning to Santos from Al-Hilal, he has shown moments of brilliance. But he also struggled, as seen when he left the field in tears after Santos lost 6-0 to Vasco da Gama.
Ancelotti sees Neymar playing in the center, either as an attacking midfielder or striker.
“I spoke with him. The plan is clear. He cannot play on the wing because modern forwards need physical quality. He can play as an attacking midfielder without problems,” Ancelotti said.
Brazil has already qualified for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Their next match will be a friendly against South Korea in Seoul on October 10.
