Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Neymar is on course to return for the national team’s final FIFA World Cup Group C fixture against Scotland after continuing his recovery from a calf injury.
The update came shortly after Brazil secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti in their second match of the tournament on Friday, a result that moved the five-time world champions to the top of the group.
Neymar has not featured since playing for Santos in Brazil’s top division on 17 May after suffering a problem with his right calf.
However, Ancelotti said the forward’s rehabilitation is progressing well and that he is expected to rejoin full team training before the match in Miami Gardens on Wednesday.
Speaking after the win over Haiti, the Italian coach said Neymar would complete an individual training session before returning to work with the rest of the squad on Monday.
He added that the 34-year-old should be available for selection against Scotland.
Brazil require only a draw to secure their place in the Round of 32, although Ancelotti’s side will be aiming to finish top of Group C.
Despite injury interruptions during Brazil’s qualification campaign, Neymar made a significant impact whenever available. The forward scored twice and provided three assists in just four appearances during the qualifiers.
Ancelotti also remained cautious when discussing his attacking options following Matheus Cunha’s impressive display against Haiti. The Manchester United forward scored twice in the first half after being handed a starting role in place of Igor Thiago.
Cunha had previously appeared as a substitute during Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, and his performance has increased competition for places in the starting line-up.
When asked whether Cunha had done enough to keep his place, Ancelotti declined to give a definitive answer. He praised the striker’s movement and ability to create difficulties for opposing defenders, highlighting his effectiveness in advanced positions and his quality in linking play.
The Brazil manager suggested that tactical flexibility remains important and indicated that further changes could be considered before the Scotland encounter.
Brazil currently lead Group C on goal difference ahead of Morocco, who defeated Scotland 1-0 earlier on Friday. The result leaves Scotland facing a difficult challenge in their final group match, with their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging in the balance.
However, Ancelotti insisted that his focus remains on improving his team’s performances rather than calculating qualification scenarios.
He said, “Brazil’s priority is to continue developing, analyse each match carefully and prepare thoroughly for the next challenge.”
While acknowledging Scotland’s ability to cause problems, particularly after their competitive display against Morocco, he highlighted the importance of remaining composed and continuing to build momentum as the tournament progresses.”
With Neymar nearing a return and Brazil sitting in a strong position, the Selecao will head into Wednesday’s decisive fixture hoping to secure first place in the group and strengthen their bid for another World Cup title.
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