Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence that star forward Neymar will recover from a calf strain in time to feature at the FIFA World Cup, easing concerns over the fitness of the Selecao’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Reports had suggested the 34-year-old could face up to three weeks on the sidelines, casting doubt over his participation in Brazil’s opening World Cup fixture against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. However, Ancelotti revealed on Saturday that Neymar’s recovery is progressing well and that he could even be available for the tournament opener.
“We believe he’ll be back very soon and if he doesn’t make it for the opener, he’ll be there for the second game,” the Italian tactician said.
Neymar, who currently plays for Brazilian club Santos, will miss Brazil’s two World Cup warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt as he continues his rehabilitation.
Brazil face Panama on Sunday at the iconic Maracana Stadium before travelling to New Jersey on Monday to establish their World Cup training base. The five-time world champions will then take on Egypt in a final preparatory fixture on June 6 in Cleveland.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar’s inclusion in Ancelotti’s 26-man World Cup squad came as a surprise to many, having been absent from the national team setup for nearly three years due to a combination of injuries and inconsistent form.
Despite those setbacks, Neymar remains one of Brazil’s greatest footballers, holding the record as the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the Selecao.
If fit, the upcoming tournament will mark Neymar’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance as he seeks to help Brazil secure a record-extending sixth world title.
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