MIAMI: Brazil star Neymar is in line to make his long-awaited return for the Selecao when they face Scotland in their final Group C fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti set to make a late decision on the forward’s fitness.
The 34-year-old has yet to feature in the tournament after missing Brazil’s opening two matches against Morocco and Haiti due to a calf injury sustained in May.
Neymar, who was included in Ancelotti’s squad despite concerns over his fitness, returned to full training last week and took part in his first tactical session under the Italian coach on Monday, raising hopes of his first appearance of the competition.
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The Brazilian icon has not represented his country since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier. Since then, a series of fitness setbacks during his time in Saudi Arabia and later at Santos have kept him sidelined for more than 650 days.
The forward rejoined his boyhood club, Santos, in a bid to revive his career, but recurring injuries and off-field controversies disrupted his comeback.
Despite that, he has managed six goals and four assists in 15 appearances this year, although he has been carefully managed and has not played more than four consecutive matches since returning from knee surgery in February.
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His selection for the World Cup generated considerable debate in Brazil, with questions surrounding both his fitness and his ability to make an impact after such a lengthy absence.
Brazil currently lead Group C with four points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference, while Scotland sit third with three points.
After opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, the five-time world champions bounced back with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti and will be aiming for another strong performance against Scotland to secure top spot in the group.
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