Outside of Brazil’s debut game in the World Cup, this Saturday (13), against Morocco, Neymar should return to training with the team from next week. This is the expectation of Carlo Ancelotti, who highlighted the experience that the number 10 can add to the group.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he can return to the group next week. His technical quality is indisputable, but also the experience and example he presents to the rest of the group”, said the Italian.
Earlier, the Italian coach finished preparations for Brazil’s debut, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
As has been the practice in activities at the New York Red Bulls training center, in Morristown, only the first 15 minutes of the movement could be followed by the press.
During this period, as happened throughout the week, it was not possible to see Neymar on the pitch. Recovering from an injury to his left calf, the 34-year-old striker is working in an attempt to be available to coach Carlo Ancelotti from the second round of the tournament, in the duel with Haiti, next Friday (19), in Philadelphia.
Against Morocco, the expectation is that the Italian will adopt an unprecedented lineup. After testing, the team that appears likely to be in the first round of the World Cup is this: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Paquetá and Matheus Cunha; Raphinha and Vinicius Junior.
Even without his number 10, the coach said that Brazil is ready to compete with any team. Although he cited Spain as one of the favorites for the title, he stated that there is no country currently far ahead of the others.
“It’s going to be a very balanced World Cup, many teams have the capacity to compete until the end”, he projected.
Although, of course, he considers Brazil to be a strong candidate for the title, Ancelotti said that it is important to respect the first opponent in this World Cup. Even though Morocco is not mentioned as one of the favorites to fight for the trophy, the coach said it is important to be “afraid” of the African team.
“Fear is something important in life. If you’re not afraid, the lion looks like a cat to you. Fear is important to save lives. Always have concerns so that your team plays a great game. But I’m also an optimist by nature. I think we’re prepared to play a great game tomorrow and a great World Cup”, he declared.
