The coach of the Brazilian national team, Carlo Ancelotti, said this Tuesday (2) that he is in no rush with the recovery of Neymar, who is “progressing well” from the injury, eleven days before the team’s debut at the World Cup in North America.
The 34-year-old Brazilian star suffered a muscle injury to his right calf in May, raising doubts about his physical condition for the start of what would be his fourth World Cup.
“He is progressing well, he is working well, we are in no rush,” said Ancelotti upon arriving in New Jersey, in the United States, where the Brazilian delegation will be staying, according to a video released by FIFA (International Football Federation).
Top scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team, with 79 goals, surpassing Pelé, the Santos striker has not played for the team since the end of 2023 due to recurring injuries.
“Everyone knows the expectations surrounding Brazil, and we are ready,” said Ancelotti, who has been in charge of the five-time world champion team for a year.
“This World Cup has no favorites; Brazil will compete against everyone,” added the coach, five-time Champions League champion.
In the last five World Cups, Brazil has only reached the quarter-finals once. That happened in 2014 when they lost 7-1 at home to Germany in the semi-final.
The team, which has not won the World Cup since 2002, debuts on June 13 in the North American World Cup against Morocco, both in Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti.
The team will play the last friendly against Egypt on Saturday (6).
