Carlo Ancelotti omitted Neymar Jr. from his Brazil national team November roster and casted major doubt over the player’s chances of making La Seleçao’s 2026 FIFA World Cup roster.
The Italian manager named a 26-player roster that will represent Brazil in upcoming friendly games against Senegal and Tunisia, once against opting against calling-up Neymar, as has been the case since he took over as manager.
His decision to snub La Seleçao’s all-time leading goalscorer prompted reporters to ask about the verdict. Ancelotti gave a brutally honest assessment about situation.
“I haven’t talked to Neymar,” Ancelotti revealed. “We’ll see when he can recover and start playing again.
“I’m not taking a player that lacks intensity to play the whole World Cup, no chance. We need players that are at a top physical level.”
Neymar played 29 minutes for Santos over the weekend in his first appearance since Sept. 14. Injuries have become synonymous with the former Barcelona star, who has played less than 25 games over the past three seasons.
