Neymar faces fitness test
Although the 34-year-old has publicly downplayed concerns over his latest issue, Ancelotti remains cautious as the tournament approaches.
KATHMANDU: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar will undergo an MRI scan on Monday to assess the calf injury that continues to cast doubt over his availability for the upcoming World Cup.
Neymar suffered the injury while playing for Santos FC on May 17 and has not featured for Brazil since Oct 2023 due to a series of injury setbacks.
Although the 34-year-old has publicly downplayed concerns over his latest issue, Ancelotti remains cautious as the tournament approaches.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will miss Saturday’s final World Cup warm-up match against Egypt national football team. However, Ancelotti is optimistic that Neymar could recover in time for Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco national football team on June 13.
“His situation is clear. He is working very well individually,” Ancelotti said at a press conference on Friday. “The MRI will take place after the weekend, and if everything goes well, he could return to team training next week.”
With Neymar unavailable, Ancelotti plans to use the Egypt clash as a final opportunity to evaluate his squad. Forward Igor Thiago and midfielder Lucas Paquetá are expected to start after both impressed off the bench in Brazil’s 6-2 victory over Panama national football team, with Thiago contributing a goal and an assist.
“This is our last test,” Ancelotti said. “Paquetá is an important player because he offers qualities different from our other midfielders. I also want to further assess Igor Thiago. Our attacking structure is already well established, but this final match gives us a chance to evaluate additional options.”
The results of Neymar’s MRI are expected to provide a definitive update on whether the Brazilian superstar can complete his race against time to feature at the World Cup.
