Neymar Races to Return as Brazil Eye Knockout Stage
Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti expects Neymar back for the group finale against Scotland as the star forward recovers from his calf injury.
Calf Scare Put Brazil on Edge
Brazil have navigated the opening two group games without their most recognisable face, but the wait for Neymar is nearly over. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the thirty-four-year-old forward is on course to feature against Scotland in the group finale, ending a frustrating sidelining caused by a Grade 2 calf injury picked up in May. Brazil need him at his sharpest for the knockout rounds.
Neymar sustained the calf problem with Santos on May 17th, just weeks before the tournament started. He missed Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and the win over Haiti, watching from the stands while teammates Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo carried the attacking burden. Training photographs released by the Brazil camp showed him working alone — a sight that alarmed fans — but recent sessions have been increasingly upbeat.
Knockout Football Demands Neymar Fit
Brazil are through to the last thirty-two but Ancelotti knows a potentially tricky knockout bracket awaits. Neymar’s creativity and ability to draw fouls in dangerous positions is irreplaceable in tight games. The coach has been careful not to rush him back, yet the medical staff have reportedly cleared him to return to full training, raising confidence he will be available for the Scotland decider and sharp enough for what follows.
A fit Neymar transforms Brazil’s prospects at this tournament. If Ancelotti gets him in peak condition for the knockout rounds, the Seleção immediately become genuine contenders for the trophy.
