Neymar fit for ‘first or second’ World Cup match – Ancelotti

Brazil forward Neymar is on track to recover from a calf strain and could be available for the team’s opening World Cup match, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Saturday.

Earlier reports suggested the 34‑year‑old might miss up to three weeks, but Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar is progressing well toward fitness for the June 13 match against Morocco in New Jersey.

“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 said.

Neymar, who currently plays for Santos, will miss Brazil’s two pre‑World Cup friendlies against Panama and Egypt.

The Seleção will face Panama on Sunday at the Maracanã before traveling to New Jersey on Monday, and will play a final warm‑up against Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland.

Including Neymar in Ancelotti’s 26‑man squad was a surprise, as the player had not been selected for the national team in almost three years due to injuries and a dip in form.

Despite that, Neymar remains Brazil’s all‑time leading scorer, with 79 goals in 128 appearances, and this will be his fourth World Cup.

AFP