Neymar (34, Santos)'s inclusion in the Brazil national football team looks increasingly unlikely.
The British Daily Mail reported on the 10th (Korean time) that Neymar was hastily removed from the roster ahead of the match against Mirassol, which Carlo Ancelotti (67), head coach of the Brazil national team, was scheduled to watch, after complaining of muscle fatigue.
Earlier, Brazil's Globo reported that Neymar had been included in Brazil's preliminary squad for the March A match. Brazil will play friendlies in the United States against France on the 27th of this month and Croatia on April 1. Brazil's final roster is expected to be announced on the 16th.
Although Neymar was included in the preliminary list, that did not necessarily mean he would be selected. In fact, Ancelotti has sometimes left Neymar off the call-up despite including him on preliminary lists. Therefore, it was important for Neymar to perform in the match that Ancelotti would personally attend.
Ancelotti planned to travel over 430 km from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo to check Neymar's condition in person. Ancelotti has maintained the principle of selecting only players in perfect physical condition.
However, upon hearing that Neymar himself would be absent, he changed his plans. Ancelotti will remain in Rio de Janeiro to watch the Botafogo and Flamengo match in person. Instead, Ancelotti's coaching staff will watch the Santos match.
The Santos club said Neymar's absence was a precautionary measure. Neymar is expected to be able to play in the home match against Corinthians on the 16th.
Neymar suffered a serious knee ligament injury in the late first half of the World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay in October 2023. Since then, Neymar has not worn the Brazil national team jersey for more than two years. His international record stands at 128 matches and 79 goals (59 assists).
Even without Neymar, Brazil's attack is filled with young, dynamic players such as Endrick (20, Marseille) and Estéban (19, Chelsea). Vinícius Júnior (26, Real Madrid), Rafinha (30, Barcelona), and Gabriel Martinelli (25, Arsenal) also add experience.
It remains to be seen whether Neymar can recover his condition in the remaining time and change Ancelotti's mind. Neymar wants to greet fans around the world again on what could be his last World Cup stage.
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