PHILADELPHIA — Neymar is expected to make his World Cup return against Scotland after recovering from a right calf injury, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday.
The 34-year-old forward has missed Brazil’s opening two matches, including Friday’s 3-0 victory over Haiti, while continuing his recovery from the injury suffered while playing for Santos in May.
Ancelotti said Neymar will train individually on Saturday before rejoining the squad for a full session on Monday.
“He will be available,” Ancelotti said regarding Brazil’s final Group C match against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer has 79 goals in 129 appearances for the national team and is seeking to play in his fourth World Cup.
Neymar has yet to participate in a full training session since joining the squad, having undergone medical tests on his calf earlier this week to assess the progress of his recovery.
His inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad sparked debate in his home country, with questions raised about his fitness after a difficult period that included an ACL injury suffered during a World Cup qualifier in October 2023.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has nevertheless enjoyed a productive season with Santos, scoring four goals and providing two assists in eight appearances.
Brazil opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before defeating Haiti 3-0 on Friday to move into contention for a place in the knockout stage.
Neymar’s expected return would provide a significant boost for the five-time world champions as they seek their first World Cup title since 2002.
Source: Saudi Gazette