RIO DE JANEIRO, April 11 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Neymar could still be a part of Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing concerns about his fitness, Xinhua reported, quoting national team assistant coach Davide Ancelotti.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international matches, has made just six appearances for Santos this year after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in December.
He has not played for Brazil since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023, an injury that left him sidelined for more than a year.
But Davide, the son of Brazil head coach Carlo, said the 34-year-old had time to regain full fitness before the tournament begins on June 11.
"Of course, he is the top scorer of the national team and he has a chance," Davide said. "He has time to do his best and try to get into the list."
Davide said Brazil's World Cup squad would likely be announced on May 18, almost two weeks before FIFA's official deadline.
That would give Neymar 11 club games to convince Brazil's coaching staff that he is ready for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
"In the end, it is the manager's decision, and he has time to take it," Davide said.
Brazil will begin its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before facing Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24 in Group C.
--BERNAMA-XINHUA
