Carlo Ancelotti Includes Neymar in Brazil’s Preliminary Squad Ahead of Friendlies

Brazilian Football Confederation coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Neymar in the extended preliminary squad for the national team’s upcoming friendly matches against France and Croatia. This announcement comes as the coaching staff continues to monitor Neymar’s recovery from a muscle fatigue issue.

Neymar, the star forward currently playing for Santos, has been named in the preliminary list for the friendlies scheduled for March 26 in Boston against France and March 31 in Florida against Croatia. However, his inclusion in this extended squad does not guarantee a final call-up, as the official team roster will be confirmed by Ancelotti on March 16.

This development is significant considering Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023 due to a serious knee injury. His return to the preliminary squad indicates progress in his rehabilitation and the coaching staff’s interest in potentially reintegrating him into the national setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.

Carlo Ancelotti, who also serves as the Brazilian national team coach, is reportedly planning to attend Santos’ upcoming match on Tuesday to assess Neymar’s condition firsthand. Despite this, Neymar is expected to miss that game due to ongoing muscle fatigue, according to reports from Globo Esporte in Brazil.

Alongside Neymar, Ancelotti’s extended squad features promising talents such as Rayan, a former Vasco da Gama player now excelling at Bournemouth in England, as well as forwards Igor Thiago and Endrick. These players are under close observation as Ancelotti evaluates options for Brazil’s attacking lineup, particularly the number 9 jersey, ahead of the World Cup.

The Brazilian national team is scheduled to convene on March 23 in Orlando, which will serve as their base during the international break. Following their training camp, Brazil will travel to Boston for the friendly against France before returning to Florida for the match against Croatia. The final squad for these friendlies will be announced on March 16, while the official World Cup roster is expected to be revealed on May 19.

As Neymar’s fitness and form continue to be assessed, the upcoming friendlies will provide valuable opportunities for Ancelotti to finalize his squad selections and prepare the team for the challenges ahead in the international calendar.