Neymar Can Play Full-Time Against Scotland, Says Ancelotti

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Neymar has fully recovered from injury and is available to feature for the entire match against Scotland in Brazil’s final Group C fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The veteran forward missed Brazil’s opening games against Morocco and Haiti after arriving at the tournament with a calf problem sustained while playing for Santos. However, Ancelotti confirmed that the 34-year-old is now fit and ready to return to action.

Neymar resumed full training with the squad earlier this week, marking his first complete session since joining the Selecao camp. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is now in contention to start against Scotland as Brazil seek to secure qualification for the Round of 32.

According to a report by GOAL, “He is available, he trained very well this week, he is fit and able and ready to play. We are very happy that he is back, he is a high-quality player,” Ancelotti said when asked for an update on Neymar’s progress. “He can play half the time or the whole 90 minutes. He is very well, he worked very, hard so he is ready. His attitude is very good, he is in very good spirits, he’s a good player and teammate, he’s very serious and we want to put him back to play as soon as possible. He brings experience and knowledge, he is doing very well.”

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Neymar’s return could prove significant for Brazil as they prepare to face Scotland, particularly with key attacker Raphinha sidelined by the hamstring injury he suffered during the 3-0 victory over Haiti.

The extent of the Barcelona winger’s setback remains unclear, leaving uncertainty over when he will be available again. In his absence, Brazil can turn to attacking options such as Rayan, Endrick and Igor Thiago as they look to maintain their firepower in the final third.