Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to reveal whether Neymar would feature against Scotland in their final Group C match at the FIFA World Cup, despite confirming the forward is available for selection after recovering from a calf injury.
Neymar returned to Brazil’s World Cup squad after nearly three years away from the national team but has yet to make an appearance in the tournament. The 34-year-old missed Brazil’s opening two matches, a 1-1 draw against Morocco and a 3-0 win over Haiti, while continuing his recovery.
“Neymar is available,” Ancelotti told reporters on Tuesday. “He worked this week and can be available for the match. We are very happy that he is back because, obviously, with his quality, he can help the team.”
The Italian praised Neymar’s attitude during rehabilitation and highlighted the influence he has continued to exert within the squad despite not playing.
“I’ve really got to know him well. He has worked very seriously, trying to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said.
“I’m very happy with him. Even if he doesn’t play, he brings experience, he brings knowledge of the game, he helps the younger players. He is doing very well.”
When asked how many minutes Neymar could manage if selected, Ancelotti initially joked before offering a more measured assessment.
“He can play 90 minutes — walking,” he said with a smile. “No, he’s fine, he worked very well, he trained very well.”
Brazil can secure a place in the Round of 32 with victory over Scotland in Miami, and Ancelotti believes his side are improving with every outing.
“Obviously we have a very big commitment, representing this shirt in the World Cup,” he said.
“I think the first match wasn’t the best, the second match was better, and we are confident that the third match will be the best.”
Ancelotti must also cope without Raphinha, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. However, the former Real Madrid manager declined to reveal who would replace the winger in the starting line-up.
Scotland head into the contest with one win and one defeat and remain firmly in the hunt for a place in the knockout rounds, either through the top two positions or as one of the best third-placed teams. Ancelotti expects a stern examination from Steve Clarke’s side.
“Scotland has quality,” he said. “They are fighters, they are very well organised.
“(Scott) McTominay and (John) McGinn are experienced players who are used to this kind of game.
“So it will be a difficult game, as usual. I think easy games in the World Cup finished a long time ago. So we are ready to play a difficult match.”
Brazil’s preparations were slightly disrupted after their flight from New Jersey to Miami was delayed, forcing Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference to be pushed back. The veteran coach, however, brushed off the inconvenience.
“Before today everything was perfect. Today we had a small problem, but that can happen,” Ancelotti said.
“I think we have the quality and the confidence for this to be a good World Cup for us. In football, anything can happen but in any case, it will be a very beautiful experience — even if I had to do a press conference at nine o’clock at night.”
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