Neymar faces two-month window to prove fitness for World Cup

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated that Neymar has approximately two months to prove his physical fitness to earn a spot on the squad for the upcoming World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with Brazil beginning its campaign on June 14 in New Jersey against Morocco. The team is also grouped with Haiti and Scotland. Neymar, the all-time leading scorer for Brazil with 79 goals, has been absent from the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023. Although he has returned to play for Santos, Ancelotti emphasized that he will only select players who are fully fit. The coach noted that while Neymar is on the right path, he must continue to improve his condition to be considered. This marks a shift for Ancelotti, who previously focused on currently active players after recent friendlies against France and Croatia.