New Delhi: Brazil have received a significant boost ahead of their final Group C match after head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that star forward Neymar is expected to return for the crucial FIFA World Cup clash against Scotland.
The announcement comes shortly after Brazil’s convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti, a result that revived the team’s World Cup campaign and moved them closer to qualification for the knockout rounds.
Neymar has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury while playing for Santos FC on May 17. The setback forced him to miss Brazil’s opening World Cup matches, including the 1-1 draw against Morocco and the win over Haiti.
However, the 34-year-old has made steady progress in his recovery. Earlier this week, he returned to training activities in New Jersey, taking part in team exercises before completing individual fitness work under the supervision of the coaching staff.
Following Brazil’s victory over Haiti, Ancelotti provided the strongest indication yet that the forward is ready to return to competitive action.
The Brazilian coach revealed that Neymar would continue individual training before rejoining full team sessions, adding that he is expected to be available for selection against Scotland.
His return could prove crucial for Brazil as they look to secure their place in the next stage of the tournament. Despite being hampered by injuries during the qualification campaign, Neymar remained a key contributor whenever he featured, registering two goals and three assists in just four appearances.
Brazil will now turn their attention to the decisive encounter with Scotland, knowing a fully fit Neymar could add experience, creativity and attacking quality at a critical stage of the competition.
For Brazilian supporters, the prospect of seeing the country’s all-time leading scorer back on the World Cup stage represents one of the most encouraging developments of the tournament so far.
