Neymar on hopes of Ancelotti call-up on Monday | OneFootball

Neymar is awaiting a possible Brazil recall from Carlo Ancelotti on Monday 16 March, with the Santos attacking midfielder having played only four matches this year after returning from surgery.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the last squad for friendlies before the World Cup will be announced at 15:30 at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, with live coverage on CBF TV’s YouTube channel. It will include those to face France and Croatia.

Speaking after Santos’ draw with Corinthians on Sunday 15, Neymar said he is working towards a return, wants to represent Brazil at the World Cup, accepts that selection rests with the staff, and will support the team whether picked or not.

Brazil will play friendlies in the United States this month, first against France on 26 March at Gillette Stadium in Boston at 17:00 Brasília time, then against Croatia on 31 March at Camping World Stadium in Orlando at 21:00 Brasília time.

Another key date is 19 May, when the final World Cup call-up is due. After those friendlies, the definitive squad are scheduled to meet Egypt at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on 6 June.

Neymar was on Ancelotti’s preliminary list last August alongside goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão but neither was selected. He returned to action after an arthroscopy on 22 December. In the Paulistão he came on at half-time in the win over Velo Clube and started the defeat to Novorizontino, and in the Brasileiro he scored twice against Vasco and started against Corinthians.

Source: Diario Do Peixe