SAO PAULO (AP) — Neymar’s path to future challenges world cup The gap narrowed further after Santos’ subdued performance in Sunday’s Brazilian league draw, which drew 1-1 at home with rivals Corinthians.
It was Neymar’s last match until Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad for two important friendlies on Monday.
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals.
Brazil’s matches against France and Croatia in the United States will be the final two games before Ancelotti announces his final squad in May for the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
Neymar, 34,’s performance against Corinthians came after he missed the match that the Brazilian coach attended.
Memphis Depay opened the scoring for Corinthians in the 19th minute at the Vila Belmiro Stadium on Sunday. Four minutes later, Gabriel Barbosa scored the equalizer.
Neymar’s best chance in Sunday’s match was a second-half header that just missed. The Santos striker struggled with his dribbling and was unable to get a shot on goal.
According to the club, two staff members from the Brazilian Football Federation attended the match at Santos.
After the match with Santos, a disappointed Neymar told reporters: “I would like to return to the national team and play in the World Cup, but it’s not up to me.” “Whether I’m there or not, I will always support Brazil.”
Ancelotti said he would only take players who are 100% fit for competitions in the United States, Mexico and Canada. He also suggested that some players may not need to be tested, leaving Neymar with hope of remaining in the final squad even if he is not selected for the next two friendlies.
neymar suffered ACL injury again in October 2023 knee surgery In December. Although he has played fewer than 10 games for Santos this year, he has shown glimpses of what he can still bring to Brazil.
It entered the top 10 in February. Santos Club’s all-time top scorer He scored two goals in a match against Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian league, winning 2-1.
Neymar’s fans fear his decision to miss Tuesday’s other Brazilian league game against Mirasol will mean he will miss out on a fourth consecutive World Cup.
Local media reports said Ancelotti was not informed of the striker’s absence until hours before the game at the 19,000-capacity José María de Campos Maia stadium.
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