By R. Alexander Núñez
Brazil will begin its path in the World Cup 2026 without one of its main figures. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed this Friday that Neymar will not be available for the premiere of the Brazilian team against Morocco and noted that he now hopes to reincorporate him into collective training next week.
The update represents a change with respect to the scenario proposed days ago. On June 5, before the warm-up friendly against Egypt, the Brazilian coach had expressed his expectation of having the striker on the training ground this week. That return ultimately did not occur.
During the last few days, the Santos attacker remained working outside the group and focused his recovery on gym sessions to overcome a grade II injury to the right calfsuffered on May 17.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible”said Ancelotti in the conference prior to the match that Brazil will play against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The striker’s absence leaves one of the most experienced names on the Brazilian squad out of the World Cup debut, just when he is preparing to potentially compete in his fourth World Cup at the age of 34.
Ancelotti supports his call and Brazil awaits his return
Although Neymar’s inclusion on the list raised questions related to his physical condition, the Italian coach once again publicly justified his decision.
“When we called Neymar, we called him not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable; but also for his experience and for the example that he can represent for the young people we have in this group“explained the former Valid Madrid coach.
With the first match ruled out, Brazil’s expectations now point to the second match in Group C. The forecast is that Neymar may be available to face Haiti next June 19 in Philadelphia.
The attacker’s situation also generated reactions inside and outside the Brazilian team.
The Moroccan side Achraf Hakimi He expressed that he hoped to meet his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate in the opening match.
“This is perhaps his last World Cup and I want to play against him”commented the defender, before adding that he always seeks to compete against the best and that “Neymar is one of the best.”
Within the Brazilian locker room, Vinícius Júnior also showed support for the forward and expressed his desire to see him recovered as soon as possible.
“He is my idol” and “having him back in the national team is important. He always gave me advice,” declared the Valid Madrid winger.
Brazil will thus face its World Cup debut without Neymar on the field, while the coaching staff maintains the expectation of incorporating him during the group stage.
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