Scotland defender insists he is “comfortable” facing Neymar at FIFA World Cup 2026
(Courtesy : Getty)
Neymar has recovered from a calf injury.
After missing the two initial games for Brazil in the FIFA World Cup, Neymar is set to return to action. Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that the 34-year-old will be available to play in Selaco’s last game of the group stage against Steve Clarke’s Scotland.
The Santos forward also did not travel with the team during their last game against Haiti, as he decided to stay back to fast-track his recovery and continue rehabilitation. Explaining the former Barcelona forward’s fitness status, Ancelotti stated:
“Neymar will be training tomorrow individually and on Monday with the rest of the team. He will be available for the match against Scotland.”
Neymar’s return is a crucial boost for the five-time champions, as former Leeds United attacker Raphinha has sustained a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old already had hamstring issues, and during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti, they flared. In the same area, the Brazilian attacker has suffered four different injuries in the last year.
However, ahead of Neymar’s return, Scotland defender Jack Hendry was asked about the prospect of facing the 34-year-old.
Scotland’s Jack Hendry says he has no problem facing Neymar Jr at the FIFA World Cup
Jack Hendry has said he’s comfortable facing the 34-year-old as he prepares to make his return. Brazil will face Scotland on Wednesday, June 24. He said:
“Obviously, I think he got injured out in Saudi (Arabia); he did his ACL, which was unfortunate. Obviously, I would have looked to play against him more. Played against him twice. I think in the Champions League when he was at Paris Saint-Germain. So, that was a good test.”
Hendry also recalled facing the 34-year-old in the UEFA Champions League. He faced Neymar during the 2021/22 UCL season. At the time, the Brazilian attacker played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) alongside Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Hendry was playing for Club Brugge. He added:
“Obviously, the front three at that time were Messi, Mbappe and Neymar, so it’s not a bad front three. It was a good experience, learning a lot from these moments playing against these top-calibre players. So, I look forward to it.”
Brazil are currently in the first spot in Group C, while Morocco are second, followed by Scotland in third. Haiti have been eliminated.
When is the Scotland vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 match scheduled?
The clash between Scotland and Brazil is scheduled for June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, USA.
Who are the toppers of Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after GW-2?
Although Brazil and Morocco have four points each, the former leads the group thanks to superior goal difference.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.