Neymar has voiced his frustration over his absence for the upcoming match between Santos FC and Mirassol in the Brazilian Championship. The high-profile player is sidelined due to muscle pain, and his absence is particularly notable since national team coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to attend this specific match to observe him.
Neymar’s Frustration Amid Speculation
After dedicating 12 days to physical conditioning and returning to tactical practice just days ago, Neymar expressed his annoyance with public and media speculation regarding his injury status. Taking to Instagram, he defended his decision to sit out the match.
“If I play injured, as they said last year, I’m wrong. If I only think about myself, I’m wrong. If I save myself, I’m wrong. If I play with pain or something that could worsen, I’m wrong,” Neymar said, addressing the rumors surrounding his fitness.
Club’s Position on Neymar’s Condition
Santos FC has clarified that Neymar does not have a diagnosed injury. The decision to rest him was a precautionary measure agreed upon by the coaching staff. This approach aims to prevent any further aggravation of his condition.
Impact on Brazilian National Team
The timing of Neymar’s absence has raised concerns within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and for Coach Ancelotti. The coach made the trip to São Paulo with the intent of assessing Neymar in person, which now presents complications for the national team’s future plans.
- Risk of Exclusion: Neymar’s rest period may jeopardize his participation in the upcoming friendly matches against France and Croatia on March 16.
- Next Match: Neymar is expected to return for the classic against Corinthians at Vila Belmiro. However, Ancelotti will not be available for this match, opting to attend the Botafogo vs. Flamengo game instead.
This shift means that Neymar’s performance will be evaluated by the national team’s assistants, leaving his future with the squad uncertain. The next steps for both Neymar and the Brazilian national team hinge on his ability to recover and perform efficiently in the upcoming games.
