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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he is waiting for Neymar's return to his best fitness before calling him for the National team. He wants the Santos star to play regularly for the Brazilian side and recover from the hamstring injury.
Why did Carlo Ancelotti ignore Neymar Jr. again?
Interacting with media following after announcing his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, Ancelotti said that he has not had a conversation with the 33-year-old and is waiting for the Santos star to recover fully. He spoke about the former Barcelona star earlies this year and said:
“Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems. When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent.”
When questioned about the Brazilian top scorer, Ancelotti said that he has not spoken to the former Barca player as he is waiting for the right moment to call u the 33-year-old and said:
“I haven't spoken to him again. We'll see when he recovers and starts playing again.”
Neymar's stats for Brazil
Neymar has played 128 games for Brazil, amassing 79 goals, but has failed to get an appearance under Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has managed the national team six times, winning three and losing twice.
Former Brazil defender questions Carlo Ancelotti over Neymar
Former Brazil defender Fabio Luciano appeared on Resenha da Rodada earlier this year, raising questions on Carlos Ancelotti's decision to ignore Neymar for the selection of national team. He thinks that the Santos star deserved a place in national team for the FIFA World Cup next summer and said:
“I think this issue of Neymar going to the World Cup isn't going to be like that, that he'll only go if he's 100%. If he's not flying high, but he's delivering good football... I don't think he needs to be 100% to be called up, because he's a different kind of player technically."
“He has to be in good condition, I just don't think it's going to be like 'He has to be flying high physically'. I think if he's well, he'll play. We don't have anyone similar and if he can maintain good performances he'll be called up.”
The former PSG winger has not played for the national side since October 2023, when he played for 45 minutes against Uruguay in the 2-0 defeat. His last goal for Brazil came in September 2023, when scored a brace in the 5-1 win against Bolivia.
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