Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he remains relaxed about Neymar’s availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the 34-year-old forward suffering a Grade 2 calf injury that will sideline him for two to three weeks.
The injury setback came at a time when the 2026 World Cup kicks off in exactly two weeks, with Brazil’s opening match against Morocco scheduled for June 13 in New Jersey. Initially thought to be a minor issue of swelling, Neymar was officially diagnosed with the Grade 2 calf injury on Thursday.
“We expect Neymar in the first World Cup match against Morocco; if he can’t make it, we’ll wait for the second game,” Ancelotti said in Saturday’s press conference. “We’re not swapping anyone out; the chosen players are these 26, and these 26 will play in the World Cup.”
Ancelotti most recently left Neymar out of the March international window due to fitness concerns after the forward underwent knee surgery earlier in his career. Despite the injury setback, the Italian coach has been adamant since selecting Neymar to his World Cup roster two weeks ago that the former Barcelona star will be a valuable asset this summer.
“Neymar is not at 100% and therefore he is not on the list,” Ancelotti stated bluntly at the time when he initially left Neymar off rosters due to injury setbacks. However, things are different this go-around, as Ancelotti somewhat-surprisingly selected Neymar to his World Cup roster for the first time since 2023.
Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar retains the full support of his colleagues, making his potential inclusion a boost for squad morale. The Italian coach noted, “I know full well that Neymar is much loved, not only by the public but by the players. This is also a factor because we have to consider the atmosphere that will surround Neymar’s call-up.”
The Brazilian league has ended, and Neymar has some vacation time before the final squad is confirmed. Ancelotti has full confidence that those who are selected will be ready for the event, stating, “We are working to arrive at the World Cup in the best possible condition. We are on the right track.”
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