Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti assured on Saturday that Neymar will be part of the 2026 World Cup squad despite his calf injury, stressing that the No. 10 is “motivated” and “working very well” to return as soon as possible.

DECISIVE IN HIS MESSAGE

“To be clear, Neymar will be with us. We believe he can recover in time for the first match (against Morocco), and if not, then for the second one (against Haiti),” the former Real Madrid manager said during a press conference in Teresopolis on the eve of Brazil’s friendly against Panama at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium.

“We have no doubt that these 26 players will play in the World Cup,” he added.

THE CONTROVERSY BEGAN IN TERESOPOLIS

The opening days of Brazil’s training camp have been dominated by questions surrounding Neymar’s fitness. Ancelotti included the forward in his final World Cup squad amid strong pressure from sections of the fanbase, the dressing room and the media.

However, the Santos star arrived carrying an injury. The club initially described the issue as “swelling” in the days leading up to the squad announcement, but Brazil’s medical staff conducted their own examinations and diagnosed a Grade II muscle injury in Neymar’s right calf.

The estimated recovery time is between two and three weeks.

Ancelotti explained that Brazil received a report from Santos stating that Neymar was dealing with swelling and allowed the club to manage the situation until May 27, when the national team camp began and responsibility for the player shifted to the Seleção’s medical staff.

ANCELOTTI’S HOPE FOR NEYMAR

Even with the injury, Ancelotti defended his decision to call up Neymar.

“The player was selected because he had to be selected. We believe Neymar will recover as quickly as possible. He’s working well and remains highly motivated,” he said.

“He was unfortunate to pick up this minor setback, but Neymar is doing excellent individual work to return as soon as possible,” Ancelotti added.

NEYMAR’S ROLE IN THE WORLD CUP

The Italian coach also revealed that he has spoken with Neymar about both his recovery process and the role he will play at the World Cup, which kicks off in June across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“Neymar fully understands the role he needs to have at this World Cup. Every day he’s doing everything the right way. He’s working extremely hard to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said.

“He’s in a positive environment, but the most important thing is that he understands his role, and I believe he understands it very well.”

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