Neymar expected to begin World Cup against Scotland after calf injury | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Neymar is expected to make his first World Cup appearance against Scotland in Miami on Wednesday night at midnight, having overcome a calf injury. He would be eased back, with a possible push for a starting berth in the last 32.

The No 10 returned to full training a week ago but has not yet played a minute at this tournament. Carlo Ancelotti does not want to take risks, and the likeliest plan is a late cameo of around 20 minutes to rebuild rhythm.

Brazil need a win to secure top spot in Group C, while Neymar needs minutes. He has felt no discomfort for several days and is progressing physically. When the team took the coach to Philadelphia to face Haiti, a 3-0 win, he stayed back to work.

His return to group training has lifted energy around the camp. A CBF source insisted Neymar would not be a problem, and his status with team-mates remains intact as they watch for moments of brilliance.

Gabriel Martinelli said the forward is still operating at a very high level and has brought intensity to training, along with undisputed technique and a desire to be with the group. He added that team-mates might run 30 metres more to maximise Neymar, Vini or others.

Ancelotti is shaping the balance for the knockout phase. With the ball, Neymar could play centrally, free, behind Matheus Cunha, and out of possession Cunha would drop into the block, similar to Richarlison in 2022, to lighten Neymar’s defensive load. Lucas Paqueta welcomed his return and called him important for Brazil.

In a World Cup where Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal have already scored, Neymar, Brazil’s record scorer with 128 caps and 79 goals, is the last marquee forward yet to feature. Former striker Careca praised his personality and described him as a genius. Brazil hope he can be decisive in the last 32 early next week.

Source: L'Équipe