Overview
- Santos withheld Neymar from the Mirassol match for workload management, calling the decision precautionary and denying a new injury.
- Carlo Ancelotti traveled to evaluate Neymar in person, with CBF staff described as surprised and frustrated by the late omission from the game.
- Neymar responded on Instagram that “nothing is going on,” pushing back at speculation and saying he is unfairly judged whatever he does.
- The forward remains on Brazil’s preliminary list, with the final roster due March 16 for friendlies against France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando on March 31.
- Assistants will monitor Santos–Corinthians as Ancelotti attends Botafogo–Flamengo, and the coach reiterates he will select only fully fit players despite public backing for Neymar from Thiago Silva.