“I haven't spoken to Neymar again”

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he is waiting Neymar to return to his best physical condition before calling him up for selection. He wants the Santos star to play regularly for the Brazilian side and recover from his hamstring injury.

Speaking to the media after announcing his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, Ancelotti said he has not spoken to the 33-year-old and is waiting for the Santos star to regain fitness. He spoke of the former Barcelona star earlier this year and said (via GOAL):

“Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problem. When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent.”

When asked about the Brazilian top scorer, Ancelotti said he has not spoken to the Santos star as he is waiting for the right time to call the 33-year-old, saying:

“I haven't spoken to him again. We'll see when he recovers and starts playing again.”

Neymar has played 128 times for the national team and scored 79 goals, but has failed to feature for Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has managed the national team six times, winning three and losing twice.

The former star of Brazil questions Carlo Ancelotti for Neymar

Former Brazilian defender Fabio Luciano appeared Review of the Round earlier this year, questioning Carlo Ancelotti's decision to leave Neymar out of the squad. He believes the Santos star should be in the squad for next summer's FIFA World Cup and said (via GOAL):

“I think that this issue of Neymar going to the World Cup will not be like that, that he will only go if he is at 100%. If he doesn't want to be high, but he is playing good football… I don't think he has to be at 100% to be called up, because technically he is a different type of player.”

“He has to be in good condition, I don't think it's like 'He has to fly high physically'. I think if he's good, he'll play. We don't have anyone like him and if he can keep up a good performance he'll be called up.”

the first PSG The star has not played for the national team since October 2023, when he played 45 minutes against Uruguay in a 2-0 defeat. His last goal for the Seleção was in September 2023, when he scored a brace in a 5-1 win against Bolivia.