Neymar's World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance: Ancelotti Sets Fitness Deadline

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has not ruled out the possibility of Neymar Jr earning a spot in his 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup, giving the forward two months to demonstrate he has the necessary qualities.

Ancelotti has consistently stated that Neymar will be in contention if he is fully fit, but the attacker was omitted from Brazil's squad for last month's warm-up matches against France and Croatia.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 and has struggled to maintain a consistent run of matches since returning to Santos last year.

Ancelotti has suggested that Neymar remains part of his thinking as Brazil assess their options in the run-up to the World Cup, which takes place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“He’s a great talent, and it’s normal that people think he can help us win the next World Cup,” Ancelotti said in an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe.

“He’s currently being evaluated by the CBF [Brazilian Football Confederation], by me, and he still has two months to show that he has the qualities to play in the next World Cup.

“After his knee injury, Neymar has made a good comeback; he’s scoring goals. He needs to continue in this direction and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”

Brazil are in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in the World Cup and will begin their campaign on June 13 in New Jersey.