Neymar expected – Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is expected to return from a right calf injury and be available for Brazil’s Group C finale against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
PHILADELPHIA — Neymar’s right calf injury is not finished, but it looks close to being. Carlo Ancelotti said Friday night that the Brazil captain is expected to return in time to play the final World Cup group match, with Brazil set to take on Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The timing is the difference. Neymar missed Brazil’s first two games of the tournament, including Friday’s 3-0 win over Haiti, and he has not yet been able to take part in full training sessions with the squad since reporting with the calf issue.
Ancelotti mapped out a clear path for the next few days. Neymar will go through individual training on Saturday, train with the team on Monday, and “will be available” when Brazil closes Group C play against Scotland.
For Brazil, the stakes go beyond a single match. Neymar is the country’s career scoring leader. with 79 goals in 129 international appearances. and he is looking to play in his fourth World Cup. But the calf problem has landed on top of an already heavy recovery story. The 34-year-old midfielder has struggled since returning from tearing the ACL in his left knee in October 2023. an injury that came during a World Cup qualifier.
The calf injury itself has been under scrutiny since it was sustained while playing for Brazilian club Santos on May 17. Tests were carried out on his calf last Monday to determine how the injury was progressing.
There has also been noise far from the pitch. In Brazil. there was widespread debate over whether Neymar should even be called up for the tournament after his ACL injury. even as his return drew attention and expectations. Now. with a World Cup group match against Scotland approaching. the question shifts to whether he can get fully back into rhythm before it matters most.
So far this year, Neymar has produced four goals and two assists in eight matches for Santos, numbers that underscore why his possible return carries weight for a Brazil side that has already started the tournament without him.
Neymar Brazil Scotland World Cup Group C Carlo Ancelotti right calf injury Miami Gardens Haiti