Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti assured on Saturday that Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup squad despite suffering a calf muscle injury. He emphasized that the number 10 is highly motivated and working hard to recover as quickly as possible.
“To be clear, Neymar will be with us. We believe he can recover in time for the first match (against Morocco), and if not, then for the second one (against Haiti),” the former Real Madrid manager said during a press conference in Teresópolis, one day before Brazil’s friendly match against Panama at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium.
“Without any doubt, these 26 players will play in the World Cup,” he added.
The first days of Brazil’s training camp have been dominated by discussions surrounding Neymar’s physical condition. Ancelotti included him in the final World Cup squad despite significant pressure from some fans, members of the dressing room, and the media.
However, the number 10 arrived carrying an injury. Santos initially downplayed the issue, describing it as an “edema,” but Brazil’s medical staff conducted their own examinations and discovered a grade-two muscle injury in his right calf. The estimated recovery time is between two and three weeks.
In this context, Ancelotti explained that Santos had provided a report stating the player only had an “edema” and that the club had managed the situation until May 27, when Brazil’s training camp began and the federation took over responsibility for the case.
Nevertheless, he defended the decision to call up Neymar.
“The player was called up because he had to be called up. We believe Neymar will recover as quickly as possible. He is working well and is in a good frame of mind,” the Italian coach said.
“He was unfortunate to suffer this minor problem, but Neymar is working very well individually to recover quickly,” Ancelotti insisted.
Ancelotti also revealed that he had spoken with the Brazilian star about his recovery process and his role in the World Cup, which will take place in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Neymar fully understands the role he needs to play in this World Cup. Every day he is working very hard to recover as soon as possible,” Ancelotti said.
“He is in a positive environment, but the most important thing is that he clearly understands his role, and I believe he understands it very well,” concluded Brazil’s head coach.
