Ancelotti confirms plan, expects Neymar available for Scotland at World Cup | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is close to returning for Brazil and is expected to be available to face Scotland at the World Cup, following the 3-0 win over Haiti.

According to Diario Do Peixe, after Friday 19’s second round Group C victory he outlined the next steps, individual work on Saturday, then a return to full training on Monday.

The plan follows the schedule set since the forward’s injury. Neymar stayed in New Jersey and did not travel to Philadelphia for the Haiti match, using the team hotel facilities and the Columbia Park training centre to complete his recovery.

The no 10 suffered a grade 2 strain in his right calf on 17 May during Santos v Coritiba in the Campeonato Brasileiro. He has since undergone intensive rehab with physiotherapy, strengthening, load management and specific conditioning work.

This week he resumed on‑pitch activities, starting with individual ball work before a partial reintegration with the squad. Brazil’s medical staff viewed the progress positively and cleared him to move into the next phase.

There had been an initial hope for minutes against Haiti, but Ancelotti and his staff chose not to rush the return, citing the need to rebuild match sharpness after almost a month without training on grass.

Called up for his fourth World Cup, Neymar has said this will be his last. The national team’s record scorer is working to be available as the group stage reaches its decisive phase. Brazil face Scotland on Wednesday 24 in the third round of Group C at 19:00.

Source: Diario Do Peixe