Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said there is no urgency to rush star forward Neymar back from his calf injury as the team arrived in the United States ahead of the World Cup.
Ancelotti, speaking on Tuesday in Newark, reiterated that Neymar could still be fit for Brazil’s “first or second” group stage match at the tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar had earlier confirmed that the 34-year-old forward suffered a calf injury and is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks.
Brazil, five-time world champions, will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, with Neymar’s fitness being closely monitored as preparations continue.
“He’s progressing well, he’s doing well, we’re in no rush,” Ancelotti said, noting that the forward’s recovery will be carefully managed ahead of the tournament.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and set for his fourth World Cup, was included in Ancelotti’s 26-man squad despite limited recent appearances due to injuries. Brazil arrive at the tournament having struggled for form, finishing fifth in South American qualifying and suffering recent defeats to France, Japan, and Bolivia, but Ancelotti insisted they remain capable of competing with any side in North America.
Elijah Adeyemi
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