Neymar is on the verge of making a comeback to the Brazilian national team, but his participation hinges on his full recovery in time for next year’s World Cup, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti. In anticipation of Brazil’s friendly match against Japan in Tokyo, Ancelotti highlighted Neymar’s exceptional talent and his importance to the team, while stressing the need for the forward to be in optimal physical condition after a series of injuries since he returned to Santos last year.
At 33 years old, Neymar has not donned the national jersey in two years, a hiatus largely due to ongoing injury issues that have affected his performance. His latest struggles came after a short spell at Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, prior to his return to Santos, where he has begun to show signs of recapturing his form. Despite this, concerns linger regarding his match fitness.
Ancelotti’s comments align with those of former coach Dorival Junior, who had also emphasized Neymar’s potential return in light of the pivotal World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. At Santos, Neymar has managed to score three goals and provide three assists in just seven matches, sparking renewed hopes for his return to the national setup. Nevertheless, Ancelotti underscored that Neymar’s selection for international duty will be contingent upon his ability to compete at the highest levels.
Currently, Brazil sits fifth in the CONMEBOL standings, making every match critical as they strive for a top-six finish that would secure direct qualification for the World Cup. The upcoming match against Japan, alongside subsequent qualifiers, presents Brazil with an opportunity to assess their squad effectively, especially while navigating the complex task of performing without key players.
Fans hold onto hope that Neymar will regain full fitness and reignite his international career, which could significantly bolster Brazil’s campaign in the qualifying rounds. The excitement surrounding his potential return brings a sense of optimism as the team gears up for the challenges that lie ahead.