Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will be available for Selecao’s final Group C match against Scotland, handing the five-time world champions a major boost as they push for a place in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 34-year-old forward has not featured in Brazil’s campaign so far after suffering a right calf injury while playing for Santos on May 17. Neymar missed Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw against Morocco and remained sidelined for Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia.
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Speaking after the win over Haiti, Ancelotti revealed that Neymar’s recovery was progressing well and that he would rejoin full training with the squad early next week.
“Neymar will be training tomorrow individually, and on Monday with the rest of the team. He will be available for the match against Scotland,” Ancelotti said.
Neymar has yet to take part in a full training session with Brazil since joining the World Cup squad. The veteran attacker underwent medical tests earlier this week to assess the healing of the calf injury and has been following an individual rehabilitation programme.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was named on the bench for Brazil’s opening match against Morocco but did not feature. Ahead of the Haiti game, Brazil announced that Neymar would remain in New Jersey to continue his recovery from a grade-two calf strain that was initially expected to keep him out for up to three weeks.
His return could not come at a better time for Brazil.
Raphinha was forced off during the first half of the win over Haiti after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury. Ancelotti admitted after the match that the extent of the problem remains unclear, with the Barcelona winger set to undergo further medical tests.
“We need to evaluate him. We don’t know the severity yet,” Ancelotti said.
The uncertainty surrounding Raphinha’s fitness has increased the importance of Neymar’s return, with Brazil potentially needing their most experienced attacking player for the decisive clash against Scotland.
Brazil responded strongly against Haiti after opening their campaign with a draw against Morocco. Matheus Cunha scored twice while Vinicius Junior added another goal as the Selecao secured their first victory of the tournament and boosted their chances of advancing from Group C.
Neymar’s comeback will also provide an emotional lift for Brazil. The country’s all-time leading scorer has netted 79 goals in 129 international appearances and is playing in what could be his fourth and final World Cup.
There had been considerable debate in Brazil over his inclusion in the squad given his injury struggles since suffering a serious ACL injury in October 2023. However, Neymar showed encouraging signs after returning to Santos, contributing four goals and two assists in eight appearances this year.
With qualification for the knockout rounds still at stake and concerns growing over Raphinha’s fitness, Neymar now looks set to play a key role when Brazil face Scotland in Miami Gardens on Wednesday.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
