Ancelotti praises Neymar’s leadership, expects No 10 to rejoin Brazil squad next week | OneFootball

On the eve of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup opener, Carlo Ancelotti praised Neymar’s leadership and expressed confidence in the No 10’s recovery. He will miss Saturday’s game against Morocco, 19:00 Brasília time, at the New York and New Jersey stadium.

According to Diario Do Peixe, Ancelotti said the forward is working hard to return as quickly as possible. He stressed Neymar was called up not only for his ability but also for his experience and example to younger players.

Neymar sustained a grade two injury to his right calf while playing for Santos against Coritiba in the Brasileiro. Since joining the national team at the end of May, he has undergone intensive physiotherapy, strengthening, controlled gym loads and used specialised equipment to speed recovery.

An MRI this week showed progress within parameters set by the medical staff, paving the way to begin his physical transition. That stage precedes ball work with team-mates.

Internal CBF assessments are positive, with the view he is responding well and slightly ahead of initial estimates. Caution remains to avoid aggravation, and he will only be cleared once fully recovered given the demands on the calf.

The expectation is that he could rejoin the group next week, which raises the prospect of involvement in the second group match. Brazil’s record goalscorer is at his fourth World Cup after 2014, 2018 and 2022. He has said the 2026 tournament will be his last.

Source: Diario Do Peixe