Carlo Ancelotti has made headlines by including Neymar in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Despite Neymar’s ongoing muscle injury, the decision was finalized against the advice of his coaching staff.
Ancelotti’s Controversial Decision
Sports journalist Guillem Balagué unveiled details about the selection process. Initially, Davide Ancelotti, Carlo’s assistant, had indicated that Neymar would not be part of the team. However, Carlo Ancelotti reversed this decision shortly after.
When asked about Neymar, Davide responded, “No, no, no.” Yet, Neymar’s name appeared on the final roster, leading to confusion. Davide explained that Carlo believed it was essential to have Neymar present. This approach aimed to prevent potential blame on the absence of Brazil’s all-time leading scorer in case of failure.
Neymar’s Injury Status
Neymar has been grappling with a muscle injury since May 17, when he experienced sharp pain in his right calf during a match with Santos. The initial diagnosis was an edema, but Brazilian national team’s physician, Rodrigo Lasmar, later confirmed it was a second-degree muscle injury. Recovery time is estimated at two to three weeks.
- Injury detected: May 17
- Type: Second-degree muscle injury
- Recovery time: 2-3 weeks
Conditions for Neymar’s Inclusion
For Neymar to join the squad, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) imposed three conditions:
- He would not be a team captain.
- He would start as a substitute.
- He should limit his social media activity.
Neymar agreed to these conditions, showing willingness to contribute to the team despite the circumstances. Balagué noted that Neymar holds a special place in Brazilian football culture, with teammates and fans showing immense support for the star.
Monitoring Neymar’s Progress
Following further medical assessments, the CBF confirmed a positive development in Neymar’s recovery on June 8. The latest MRI indicated a favorable evolution in his treatment plan.
The official statement indicated that Neymar would continue his rehabilitation under close medical supervision. Despite this, his participation in Brazil’s opening match against Morocco on June 13 appears unlikely. The coaching staff hopes to involve him in team training soon, especially for the second Group C match against Haiti.
- Opening match: June 13 against Morocco
- Second match: June 19 against Haiti
- Group phase final match: June 24 against Scotland
Ancelotti’s decision and Neymar’s situation will be closely monitored as the World Cup progresses.
