Overview
- Following Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to France in Boston, Carlo Ancelotti brushed off chants for Neymar and kept the focus on those who played.
- He left the 34-year-old out of the March squad after a Santos game missed with muscle fatigue, saying he will pick only players at full fitness.
- Neymar has not appeared for Brazil since a serious knee injury in October 2023, despite being the national team’s record scorer with 79 goals.
- Kylian Mbappé said he cannot imagine a World Cup without Neymar but added he respects Ancelotti’s decision not to select him now.
- Brazil will assess Raphinha’s muscle issue and face Croatia in Orlando on March 31, with the final World Cup roster due in May and strong competition for attacking places.