The Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti, postponed Neymar’s return to training this Friday, June 12, and confirmed that the forward will not be available for the debut in the 2026 World Cup against Morocco, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on Saturday, June 13.
The Italian coach indicated that he now hopes that the attacker will return to training with the group “next week”, once he overcomes an injury to his right calf.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said in the press conference prior to Brazil’s debut in the tournament.
On June 5, before the last preparatory friendly against Egypt, the coach had indicated that he hoped to see the player return to training this week, a forecast that ultimately will not be fulfilled.
The Santos footballer has not participated in the group sessions in recent days and has continued his recovery from a grade II injury to the right calf, suffered on May 17.
At 34 years old, Neymar faces the possibility of playing in his fourth World Cup and was one of the main novelties in Ancelotti’s call-up, despite doubts about his physical condition.
The coach defended his decision to include him on the list. “When we called Neymar, we called him not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience and the example he can represent for young players,” he explained.
The forward is ruled out for the match against Morocco and his possible return is projected for the second game of the group stage, against Haiti, in Philadelphia, on June 19.
From the Moroccan camp, full-back Achraf Hakimi expressed his desire to face the Brazilian.
“I want to play against the best and Neymar is one of the best,” he said.
Brazilian Vinícius Júnior also referred to the attacker and trusted in his speedy recovery. “He is my idol,” said the Real Madrid player, who added that Neymar “always gave him advice” and that his presence in the national team is important.