Santos forward Neymar voiced his discontent on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, responding to reports surrounding his physical condition and potential inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The 34-year-old’s availability remains a key talking point as coach Carlo Ancelotti prepares to announce his team for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia.
Neymar was ruled out of Santos’ Brazilian Championship match against Mirassol on Tuesday, a game Ancelotti had planned to attend to personally assess the player’s fitness. This absence has fueled speculation about his readiness for international duty, particularly given his recent history of injuries. The timing is particularly sensitive as Ancelotti is set to announce the squad on March 16 for the friendlies on March 26 and 31.
Neymar’s Injury and Ancelotti’s Assessment
Santos confirmed Neymar’s exclusion from the Mirassol match was a precautionary measure due to lingering muscle fatigue, according to reports. However, sources close to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the national team’s technical committee indicated surprise and frustration within the organization regarding the timing of the injury. Ancelotti had specifically hoped to observe Neymar up close during the match, as reported by Sportstar.
Ancelotti has consistently emphasized that he will only select players who are fully fit and capable of meeting Brazil’s physical demands. This stance adds further pressure on Neymar to prove his readiness in the limited time remaining before the squad announcement. Missing Tuesday’s match could jeopardize his chances of being included in the team for the friendlies, which are crucial preparation ahead of the World Cup.
A Return to the National Team?
Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil was in October 2023, and he is yet to be selected under Ancelotti. Despite this, he remains in contention for a place in the squad, as evidenced by his inclusion in the preliminary list for the March friendlies, as reported by India Today. He is still Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances.
The forward’s inclusion in the preliminary squad, however, doesn’t guarantee a final spot. According to Goal.com, Neymar will miss Santos’ upcoming Brasileirao game against Mirassol due to “load control,” leaving him with only one domestic game against Corinthians to convince Ancelotti of his fitness.
Balancing Talent and Fitness
Neymar’s career in recent seasons has been marked by periods of recovery and interrupted momentum, alongside moments of brilliance. The latest call-up to the preliminary squad doesn’t erase those concerns, but it does signal that Brazil isn’t ready to rule him out entirely. The situation highlights the delicate balance Ancelotti faces between selecting a player of Neymar’s undeniable talent and ensuring the team has the physical resilience needed to compete at the highest level.
The inclusion of rising stars like Endrick in the preliminary squad further complicates the picture. Endrick, who has impressed since joining Olympique Lyonnais in January, has scored five goals and provided three assists in 10 appearances, bolstering his chances of making the final cut. Juventus defender Bremer has similarly been included in the expansive pre-list.
As Brazil prepares for the friendlies against France and Croatia, all eyes will be on Neymar’s recovery and his performance in the remaining domestic matches. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the iconic forward will have the opportunity to add to his impressive international tally at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The final squad announcement on March 16 will provide clarity on Ancelotti’s plans and Neymar’s role in Brazil’s World Cup ambitions. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if the Santos star can overcome his fitness concerns and secure his place in the team.
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