Carlo Ancelotti has made a bold decision by leaving Neymar out of Brazil's latest squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. Despite the 34-year-old’s return to domestic football following a long injury layoff, Ancelotti has expressed concerns about Neymar's fitness level, stating that he is not yet at the required physical condition to compete for the national team. This decision marks a critical moment for Neymar as he aims to prove his worth ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Fitness Concerns Over Neymar’s Return
Despite his return to action with Santos over the weekend, Ancelotti has ruled Neymar out of the upcoming international fixtures. The Brazilian forward is still recovering from knee surgery, and Ancelotti explained that Neymar is not yet at 100% fitness. "We need players at 100% right now," Ancelotti said, emphasizing the importance of physical readiness for Brazil's high-profile matches. The friendlies in March are crucial as they offer the last chance for experimental squad selections before the definitive World Cup roster is set.
Technical Skills Alone Aren’t Enough
While Neymar’s technical ability has never been in question, Ancelotti and his coaching staff are prioritizing physical readiness over talent at this juncture. Despite his brilliance with the ball, Neymar’s fitness remains a concern. Ancelotti stated that the decision to omit Neymar was based on a "physical evaluation," explaining that the forward must reach peak condition before he can rejoin the national team setup. The coach underlined that Neymar must continue working and playing to prove he is back to his best physically.
Scrutiny of Neymar’s Recent Performances
Neymar’s recent performances have come under scrutiny, particularly after his return from knee surgery. Although he scored two goals in a 2-1 win against Vasco da Gama, his overall contribution has been mixed. Ancelotti watched Neymar’s subsequent match against Mirassol, where the forward was left out of the squad. In his most recent outing against Corinthians, Neymar showed some flashes of brilliance but was unable to make a significant impact, although he provided an assist. Ancelotti’s team is carefully monitoring his progress over the next few months.
Countdown to World Cup Selection
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, the pressure is on Neymar to prove he is physically capable of competing at the highest level. The upcoming March friendlies will serve as an important evaluation for all players, including Neymar. Following these matches, Brazil will face Panama and Egypt for further warm-ups. Neymar’s inclusion in the final World Cup squad remains possible, but he must show that he can handle the physical demands of elite international football before the selection window closes.
