New Delhi: Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that will be available for Brazil’s last Group C match of the against Scotland, handing the five-time champions a big boost as they push for the Round of 32 spot.
He has not played a single match for Selecao in the ongoing tournament so far after suffering a calf injury while playing for Santos on May 17.
The 34-year-old forward missed Brazil’s opening match against Morocco, which ended in a 1-1 draw, and was also ruled out of their 3-0 win against Haiti in Philadelphia on Saturday. Speaking after the game against Haiti, Ancelotti said Neymar’s recovery is progressing well, and he would rejoin full training with the squad early next week.
“Neymar will be training tomorrow individually, and on Monday with the rest of the team. He will be available for the match against Scotland,” Ancelotti said.
Neymar hasn’t taken part in a full training session with the Brazil squad since joining them for the World Cup. He underwent medical tests earlier this week to assess the injury and has been on an individual rehabilitation programme.
He was named on Brazil’s bench for the opening match against Morocco but did not play a single minute. Ahead of the match against Haiti, the forward remained in New Jersey to continue his recovery from a grade-two calf strain that was initially expected to keep him out for more than three weeks. With Raphinha suffering an injury during the first half of the Haiti clash, Neymar’s return will be a major boost for Brazil.
Brazil thrash Haiti
After the 1-1 draw against Morocco, Brazil made a strong comeback against Haiti, registering a 3-0 victory. Matheus Cunha scored a brace while Vinicius Junior netted another goal as the Selecao won their first match of the tournament and boosted their chances of advancing to the Round of 32.