Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is on the list of players who could represent Brazil at the World Cup, but warned he will keep a close eye on the star over the next six months.
Brazil booked their spot in the 2026 tournament by finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, 10 points behind Argentina in first place.
Neymar has been a regular topic for Ancelotti since taking charge of Brazil in May, with the 33-year-old not featuring in any of the Italian’s squads to date.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against Uruguay in October 2023.
After his recovery, he returned to his youth club Santos, but also struggled with injuries during his time there.
Ancelotti has made it clear he wants to take Neymar to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico and will keep a close eye on the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona forward ahead of the next international break in March.
“Neymar is on the list of players who could play in the World Cup,” Ancelotti said ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia.
“Neymar has recovered, but he has to perform. When the Brazilian competition is over, he will have some holiday and then he has to show his quality and physical condition again.”
“Now we have six months for the final list. We just have to keep an eye on it, as with the others, to see if we need to make any changes to the final team.
“We are working to arrive at the World Cup in the best possible conditions. We are on the right track. I can change the players until March, but I am confident that the selected players will be ready for the event.”
Brazil will play their last match of 2025 against Tunisia on Tuesday and will know their World Cup group during the draw that will take place on December 5.
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