With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 90 days away, the 48 teams are fine-tuning the details. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Neymar‘s inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti‘s squad for Brazil.
The Santos striker has not played for the Canarinha since October 17, 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury, but there is a possibility that he could return for the friendlies and, if all goes well, the World Cup. Now, a former teammate has come to his defense.
Neymar receives support from Thiago Silva
Ney has been included in Carletto’s preliminary squad to face France and Croatia on March 26 and 31, respectively, in the US.
However, a muscle strain due to excessive fatigue in training forced him to sit out Tuesday’s match between Mirassol and Santos on March 10 for the fifth round of the Brasileirao. Unfortunately, the Italian coach was hoping to see him in action to confirm his place, so all that remains is to wait until Sunday, March 15, when Santos faces Corinthians.
Meanwhile, his place in the World Cup is not assured, especially now, amid so much controversy over his health. Ancelotti has repeatedly insisted that all players must be “100%” to be called up, and according to him, Thiago Silva came out in support of Neymar.
Speaking to TNT Sports (via GOAL), his former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain (2017-2020) said that the 34-year-old striker is a key player for the Verdeamarela if they want to win their sixth star: “If Neymar is fit, he has to play in the World Cup,” he said.
“Given his current level of play, he has to go. It’s indisputable. Neymar is there, on the field, and for the opposing team, he’s already a real headache,” said the 41-year-old defender and iconic figure in the Brazilian locker room.
Silva and Neymar have been the pillars of the Canarinha in recent decades, participating together in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, as well as winning the 2013 Confederations Cup.
However, he is not the only one who has backed him. Even before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury and tearing the outer meniscus in his right knee, Rodrygo Goes had supported him, saying that “it shouldn’t be up for debate” and that “it wouldn’t be the same without him.”
At 34, Neymar considers the upcoming tournament one of his most important goals, if not the most important, and is doing everything possible to be in top form for soccer’s biggest event. On the other hand, Rodrygo’s injury could open up an opportunity for him to play for Brazil, but everything will depend on Ancelotti’s final decision and his state of health.
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