Neymar set for Santos return to revive Brazil World Cup bid | OneFootball

Neymar is expected to return for Santos on Sunday against Velo Clube at 20:30 Brasília time, the final round of the Paulista group stage. After missing 10 matches this year, he aims to begin a decisive run towards a World Cup recall.

According to Globo.com, injuries have far kept him from fulfilling his wish to play for Brazil again, and since returning to the Peixe a June call-up from Carlo Ancelotti has remained out of reach.

Last year, physical and muscular issues limited him to 28 of Santos’ 54 games, which kept him out of Ancelotti’s lists. Now only two remain.

Ancelotti has made clear he will only pick him if he regains peak condition. Neymar ended 2025 with left knee meniscus surgery and began 2026 in recovery. He delayed an operation deemed urgent in late November, having it only at the end of December, which pushed back his return in a World Cup year.

He is expected to get minutes one month before Ancelotti names his squad for the final Fifa window. Brazil face France and Croatia in the United States in late March. The final list is due on 19 May, with the opener on six June in Cleveland against Egypt.

Santos must win to keep Paulista hopes alive. Before the March call-up there are four Brasileirão rounds and 13 more before May’s list. The Copa do Brasil fifth round is in April over two legs, and the Copa Sudamericana group stage is set for eight April.

Source: Globo.com