Ancelotti gives encouraging Neymar fitness update ahead of Brazil's World Cup opener

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered an encouraging update on Neymar's fitness, saying the forward is completing an individual rehabilitation programme for a Grade II calf muscle strain and will undergo an MRI before potentially rejoining Brazil's main training group next week — news that matters with Brazil due to open their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco.

Why it matters

Neymar's availability is significant for Brazil's chances at the World Cup and for the team's selection and tactics in Group C. Ancelotti's update offers hope that the 31-year-old could return to full group training in time to be considered for tournament matches, but the manager also stressed the team will not rush his recovery so long-term fitness is prioritised.

What Ancelotti said and the current plan

Ancelotti told reporters that Neymar is "doing excellent individual work" while recovering from a Grade II calf strain. He confirmed the plan for Neymar to undergo an MRI on Saturday, and said that if the scan is clear the player will rejoin the full squad next week. Neymar did not travel with the rest of the Brazil squad to Cleveland for the friendly against Egypt; instead he remained at Brazil's base in New Jersey to continue rehabilitation.

Ancelotti also made clear the medical staff's priority is Neymar's long-term availability for the World Cup. If Neymar is not fully ready for the opening match versus Morocco on June 13, Ancelotti said the staff will focus on having him fit for Brazil's second Group C fixture against Haiti on June 19.

Team rotation in warm-up fixtures

Ahead of the final pre-tournament friendly against Egypt, Ancelotti indicated he would rest certain players. He confirmed centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes would be rested after showing fatigue following Arsenal's Champions League final workload. Flamengo's Leo Pereira is expected to replace Gabriel in the heart of defence. Training tweaks also suggested Rayan (Bournemouth) could fill in for Lucas Paqueta in midfield and Douglas Santos might start at left-back instead of Alex Sandro.

• Neymar is recovering from a Grade II calf muscle strain and doing individual rehab work.
• Ancelotti said Neymar will have an MRI on Saturday; a clear scan could see him rejoin the main group next week.
• Neymar did not travel to Cleveland for Brazil's friendly with Egypt and stayed at the New Jersey base to continue rehab.
• Ancelotti will rest Gabriel Magalhaes for the warm-up match; Leo Pereira is expected to start in his place.
• Manager stated he will not rush Neymar for the June 13 opener vs Morocco and would prioritise readiness for the June 19 fixture against Haiti if necessary.

Context and implications

The update sits alongside Brazil's preparations in the days before the World Cup. Neymar's rehabilitation and timing of any return to full training will influence selection decisions and tactical options for Ancelotti, who must balance the squad's desire to field its best attacking talent with the medical team's caution over reinjury. The source notes the coaching staff are already planning rotation in the final warm-up to manage fitness across the group.

What happens next

Neymar's scheduled MRI and its results will be the immediate determinant of whether he rejoins the squad next week. Brazil's staff have set a clearer target for his recovery but have not committed to him being available for the June 13 match; further official updates from the Brazil camp or medical team will be required to confirm availability.