Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has given a positive update on Neymar before his team’s crucial World Cup group match against Scotland on Thursday.
The veteran forward has recovered from a calf injury and is now ready to return to action. Brazil will face Scotland in Miami Gardens as they aim to secure a place in the Round of 32.
Ancelotti said Neymar trained well throughout the week and is fully available for selection.
“He is available, he trained very well this week,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday. “He is fit and able and ready to play. We are very happy he is back. He is a high-quality player.”
The Brazil coach also praised Neymar’s work during his recovery period. He said the forward showed great commitment and remained important to the squad.
“He can play from halftime or the whole 90 minutes. He is very well, he worked very hard, so he is ready. His attitude is very good, he’s in good spirits, he’s a good player, a good teammate. He’s very serious and we want to get him back to playing as soon as possible,” said the Italian.
“I’m very happy. He brings experience, knowledge, he is doing very well.”
While Neymar’s return gives Brazil a major boost, the team will miss Raphinha. The Barcelona winger suffered a hamstring injury during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti.
Raphinha left the field in the 40th minute and will not play in the final Group C match.
Ancelotti said he has already chosen the player who will replace Raphinha but did not reveal the name. Bournemouth youngster Rayan is one of the options after impressing when he came on against Haiti.
“We’re thinking of nothing else but playing a good match with the best possible lineup,” Ancelotti said. “We have a clear idea of who will replace Raphinha.”
Brazil have collected four points from their first two matches. A draw against Scotland on Thursday will be enough to send them into the knockout stage.
Scotland have three points and still have a chance to qualify.
In the other Group C match, Morocco will face Haiti in Atlanta as the battle for qualification reaches its final stage.
