Neymar to train but remains out for Brazil’s match against Scotland

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday that Neymar will be available for the team’s final Group C match against Scotland on June 24 after missing the first two games with a right calf injury. Ancelotti outlined a return plan that begins with individual training on Saturday, followed by a full session with teammates on Monday.

The 34-year-old forward sustained the injury while playing for Santos on May 17 and has not practiced in full sessions with Brazil since reporting to camp.

Neymar underwent tests on the calf last Monday. He has recorded four goals and two assists in eight matches for Santos this year. Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 on Friday in Miami Gardens after opening Group C play with a 1-1 draw against Morocco on June 13.

Neymar missed both matches. Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 129 international appearances. His first World Cup appearance came on home soil in 2014. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during an October 2023 World Cup qualifier and has not played for the senior national team since that date.

Ancelotti said the focus remains on preparing for Scotland rather than on eliminating the opponent. Scotland could still advance depending on results in the final round of group matches. Brazil star Vinícius Júnior said after the Haiti match that having Neymar back with the group is important.

He called Neymar his idol and expressed hope that the forward returns for the next game.