Neymar left out by Santos, Brazil call-up now in doubt | OneFootball

Neymar has been omitted from Santos’s squad to face Mirassol on Tuesday, a move that surprised the CBF and Carlo Ancelotti, who had planned to attend. According to Globo.com, the Brazil coach wanted to watch the number 10 play.

Being rested could jeopardise a 16 March call-up. Ancelotti will not have time to assess him as intended, and it is currently considered unlikely he will make the final list for friendlies against France and Croatia later this month.

On Sunday, Ancelotti will be at Botafogo v Flamengo at Nilton Santos. The CBF will instead send assistants Mino Fulco, Franchesco Mauri and Bruno Baquete, plus goalkeeping coach Taffarel, to the match at Vila Belmiro.

Ancelotti had hoped to confirm Neymar’s fitness in Mirassol, but being preserved for muscular fatigue and injury risk suggests he is not yet at his peak. Neymar had 12 days of preparation, often limited to physical work, and returned to full training only on Sunday.

There is no injury, and the decision to rest him was agreed with the coaching staff, taken days ago even after he rejoined tactical sessions. The club were not consulted about Ancelotti’s trip and saw it as a communication lapse. He will still travel to avoid the impression he was going only to see Neymar, although that was the purpose.

Neymar is due to be available at the weekend to face Corinthians in the sixth round of the Brasileirão at Vila Belmiro, the eve of the final list. Brazil play France on 26 March and Croatia on 31 March, with the World Cup squad to follow in May.

Source: Globo.com