Carlo Ancelotti Addresses Neymar’s Fitness
Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Brazil’s national football team, addressed recent concerns regarding Neymar’s fitness on Saturday, affirming that he remains committed to including the star forward in the upcoming World Cup roster. Despite Neymar’s ongoing recovery from a calf injury, which has sidelined him since May 17 after previously dealing with an ACL tear, Ancelotti is not considering alternatives for the squad.
Neymar’s Injury and Selection Process
Having announced Neymar’s inclusion last week, Ancelotti faced inquiries about whether he would have chosen the player had he been aware of the severity of the injury, which is now identified as a grade 2 muscle strain rather than mere swelling as first diagnosed by Santos. In a light-hearted response to reporters, he quipped,
“If my grandad had wheels, he’d be a car,”
emphasizing that Neymar’s spot is secure in the presence of such uncertainties. He added that the responsibility for assessing Neymar’s health had shifted to the Brazilian Football Confederation after the selection process began.
Optimism for Neymar’s Return
Ancelotti remains optimistic about Neymar’s potential return, suggesting that while he may miss Brazil’s opening match against Morocco on June 13, there is a strong possibility he could be available for subsequent games, including the fixtures against Haiti on June 18 and Scotland on June 23.
“We had anticipated he could be ready for the first match, and if not, we fully expect him to be fit for the second,”
Ancelotti stated. Reinforcing his decision, he concluded that the 26 players he selected are confirmed participants for the World Cup, regardless of players facing fitness issues.
