“I haven’t spoken to Neymar again” - Carlo Ancelotti explains decision to leave Santos superstar out of latest Brazil squad

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he is waiting for Neymar to return to his best fitness before calling him up for the national team. He wants the Santos star to play regularly for the Brazilian side and recover from the hamstring injury.

Speaking to the media after announcing his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, Ancelotti said that he has not spoken to the 33-year-old and is waiting for the Santos star to regain full fitness. He spoke about the former Barcelona star earlier this year and said (via GOAL):

“Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems. When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent.”

When asked about the Brazilian top scorer, Ancelotti said that he has not spoken to the Santos star as he is waiting for the right time to call up the 33-year-old and said:

“I haven't spoken to him again. We'll see when he recovers and starts playing again.”

Neymar has played 128 times for the national side, scoring 79 goals, but has not managed to get an appearance under Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has managed the national team six times, winning three and losing twice.

Former Brazil star questions Carlo Ancelotti over Neymar

Former Brazil defender Fabio Luciano appeared on Resenha da Rodada earlier this year, questioning Carlo Ancelotti's decision to leave Neymar out of the national team. He believes that the Santos star should be in the squad for the FIFA World Cup next summer and said (via GOAL):

“I think this issue of Neymar going to the World Cup isn't going to be like that, that he'll only go if he's 100%. If he's not flying high, but he's delivering good football... I don't think he needs to be 100% to be called up, because he's a different kind of player technically." “He has to be in good condition, I just don't think it's going to be like 'He has to be flying high physically'. I think if he's well, he'll play. We don't have anyone similar and if he can maintain good performances he'll be called up.”

The former PSG star has not played for the national side since October 2023, when he played 45 minutes against Uruguay in the 2-0 loss. His last goal for the Seleção was in September 2023, when he scored a brace in the 5-1 win over Bolivia.

Edited by Sripad