Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar 'will be ready' for Scotland at FIFA World Cup 2026
(Courtesy :Â Getty)
Neymar is expected to return against Scotland.
Neymar is likely to return from a calf injury and play for Brazil in their last 2026 FIFA World Cup group encounter, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti on Friday night.
The Santos star missed Brazil’s opening two games of the tournament, including Friday’s 3-0 victory against Haiti.
Carlo Ancelotti confirms the 34-year-old’s availability for the Scotland game
Ancelotti claimed the former Barca star “will be available” for Brazil’s last Group C match against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
“Neymar will train individually tomorrow [Saturday]. On Monday he will be with the team and he will be ready for the game against Scotland.”
The Santos star leads Brazil’s all-time scoring list with 79 goals in 129 international matches.
The 34-year-old player has yet to participate in complete practice sessions with the teammates since joining the national team squad while nursing a calf ailment.
Looking to compete in his fourth World Cup, he had calf tests last Monday. It was to examine the progression of the injury he acquired while playing for Brazilian side Santos on May 17.
There was much controversy in Brazil about whether the forward, who played his first World Cup at home in 2014, should have been called up to the roster.
Neymar boasts four goals and two assists in eight games for Santos this season. Now, there are rising indications that the 34-year-old is approaching peak fitness.
Earlier this week, the Santos star gave fans optimism when he arrived in full training gear. He temporarily joined his teammates on the pitch in Morristown, New Jersey. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player even engaged in a light-hearted conversation with reporters.
Will Neymar play against Scotland?
Yes, Ancelotti has confirmed he will be fit to face them.
When will they play Scotland?
25th June, 3:30 am IST.
Where will the game be played?
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.