Brazil head coach Carlos Ancelotti has opined that Neymar Jr. has time to make the national team’s World Cup squad. Neymar is in race against time to be fully fit for the upcoming quadrennial tournament. 

Neymar was recently left out of the Brazil squad for the International friendlies in March when they faced France and Croatia.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had said the Santos forward was not 100% fit after announcing his latest squad. The former PSG and Barcelona striker has not played for Brazil since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while on international duty. 

Neymar then had a minor surgery on his left knee on December 22, 2023.

“He is capable of getting back to 100%,” Ancelotti told L’Equipe when asked about Neymar.

“He is being assessed by the CBF [Brazil’s Football Confederation] and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup.”

The Italian manager said he would only call up players who are fit for the national team.

“I’ve said this several times, and it’s very clear: I’ll call up the players who are physically ready,” Ancelotti reiterated.

Brazil fans chanted Neymar’s name during the team’s 2-1 loss against France in March.

“Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football,” Ancelotti said. “He is a great talent, and it’s only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.”

“After his knee injury [in December], Neymar has made a good recovery,” Ancelotti said.

“He’s scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals.