Carlo Ancelotti left Neymar out of Brazil's squad for the second time since taking charge, citing the need for the player to regain full physical condition ahead of next summer's World Cup. Brazil have already clinched qualification and will play final qualifiers on Sept. 4 at home against Chile and Sept. 9 away to Bolivia. Neymar's club Santos are struggling in Brazil's top flight, near the relegation zone and facing fan criticism after heavy defeats. Neymar has suffered recurring injuries since returning to Santos, including a thigh issue in April and an October 2023 ACL and meniscus tear. Casemiro and Chelsea youngster Estêvão were included in the squad.
"Everyone knows Neymar, the national team and all the fans in Brazil," Ancelotti said on Monday. "Neymar, like everyone else, needs to get into good physical condition to be able to help the team do well and try to do their best in the World Cup. These two games are the last games of the qualifiers, and we need to finish this phase well."
Ex-Barcelona and PSG forward Neymar has continued to struggle with injuries after his return to boyhood club Santos in January, and a thigh injury in April was the reason for his exclusion from the squad Ancelotti called up in May. Brazil have been without their star since October 2023, when he tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee.
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