<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been nearly three years since former FC Barcelona star Neymar last suited up for the Brazilian national team.<\/p>\n
The nation\u2019s all-time leading scorer (79) sustained an ACL injury with the national team in October 2023, and he\u2019s dealt with multiple injuries since, including a major knee ailment in December.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s why it wasn\u2019t much of a surprise to see coach Carlo Ancelotti snub him from the team\u2019s last couple of friendly matches vs. France and Croatia, and why he might not make the final cut for the FIFA World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, in an interview with French outlet L\u2019Equipe<\/span>, the former Real Madrid boss didn\u2019t shut the door on potentially giving him the nod.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s currently being evaluated by the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), by me, and he still has two months to show that he has the qualities to play in the next World Cup,\u201d the coach\u00a0<\/span>said<\/a> (h\/t The Athletic<\/span><\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Neymar has looked sharp for Santos since returning from injury, scoring three goals in four matches for the Brazilian side. Ancelotti acknowledged that his recent form will factor in whether he gets a chance to keep adding to his tally with the national team.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to call up the players who are physically ready,\u201d Ancelotti added. \u201cAfter his knee injury (in December), Neymar has come back well; he\u2019s scoring goals. He needs to continue in this direction and improve his fitness. He\u2019s on the right track.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n While not as stacked as it used to be, the Brazilian national team still has a plethora of offensive talent.<\/p>\n Even with Rodrygo out with an injury, they still have Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Raphinha, Joao Pedro and Gabriel Martinelli, just to name a few, so it won\u2019t be easy to make the cut.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n That said, Neymar is a beloved and respected figure for the national team, and they could use a veteran leader like him. It won\u2019t be an easy decision to make, but continuing to score more and staying on the pitch will clearly be the best way to endear himself to Ancelotti.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nCarlo Ancelotti won\u2019t rule out Neymar for the World Cup<\/h2>\n
\n
\n