Neymar has been removed from Brazilian team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia despite claiming that the Santos superstar has fully recovered from his injuries
Brazilian manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed that his decision to remove Neymar from his latest team had no connection to fitness concerns. Ancelotti, who was in charge of Brazil in June, said last week that Neymar’s omission was due to “minor injuries.”
The former Real Madrid boss added that he “didn’t have to test it” to consider his choice. However, after playing 90 minutes with Fulminence on Santos’ 0-0 draw, Neymar provided another version of the event.
“It was the swelling, discomfort I had in my adductor muscles, but it wasn’t serious so I played it today,” explained the 33-year-old. “I wasn’t planning on playing Baia anyway (August 24th), so they preferred to rule out me and leave me out so I could recover.
“I was ruled out for technical reasons. It has nothing to do with my health. It’s the coach’s opinion and I respect that. I’m out and we just need to support the team.”
Now Ancelotti has given him a real reason. “It was a technical decision based on a number of factors,” the Italian told a press conference ahead of the clash with Chile on Thursday.
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“We can’t question Neymar’s technical capabilities. We evaluate every day and in every match, it’s physical fitness. That applies not only to him, but to everyone.”
Ancelotti also reiterated that, in contrast to the best individuals, he only calls players who fit his system. “Yes, but we’re looking at quality, but we’re also looking at it that it fits 100% and can play for the team rather than individually,” he continued.
Since rejoining his childhood club Santos earlier this year, Neymar has made 20 appearances, scoring six goals and providing three assists. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar returned to Brazil after an incantation in Al Giral and Saudi Arabia.
Will Neymar create a Brazilian team for the 2026 World Cup? Please tell us your predictions in the comments section.
Ancelotti began their Brazilian adventures in June, drawing 0-0, with surprise package Ecuador being second in the South American qualifying table. Celecau defeated Paraguay 1-0 in Ancelotti’s first home game.
This victory ensured that Brazil was the only country to compete in all World Cups since 1930. They welcome Chile to Malacana on Thursday, then travel to Bolivia next Tuesday.
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