Neymar denies injury claims after Brazil squad snub

The 33-year-old forward was left out of Brazil’s latest call-up for the upcoming qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, despite recently featuring for Santos in a goalless draw with Fluminense on Sunday. With Brazil already assured of their place at next summer’s World Cup, Ancelotti explained that Neymar had been excluded because of a “minor problem” picked up last week.

“Neymar isn't in this second squad because he had a minor problem last week, but he doesn't need to prove anything,” the Italian said. “Everyone knows Neymar, the national team, and all the Brazilian fans. Neymar, like everyone else, needs to be in good physical shape to help the team perform well and try to give their best at the World Cup.”

Neymar, however, offered a different version, confirming his fitness. The former Barcelona forward played the full 90 minutes at the Vila Belmiro, as Santos ended their two-game losing streak. 

“I had an adductor edema,” he said. “It was uncomfortable, but nothing serious — I even played today. Against Bahia last Sunday, I wasn’t going to play because of a suspension. They preferred to rest me in training so I could recover.” 

He added: “I think I was left out of the squad for technical reasons. I don’t believe it has anything to do with my physical condition.”

Neymar, Brazil’s record goalscorer, with 79 goals in 128 appearances, has not played for the national team since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury against Uruguay.