Neymar in good shape but set for substitute role vs Japan, says Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is in 'good shape' but indicated the forward will again begin on the bench for Monday's World Cup round-of-32 tie against Japan. The Santos star returned as a late substitute in Brazil's final group game against Scotland. Neymar's road to the tournament has been troubled by a serious knee injury in October 2023 and a calf problem that kept him out of the opening matches against Morocco and Haiti.

His brief appearance against Scotland ended a three-year absence from the national team and raised hopes of a starting role. Ancelotti urged caution over playing time, saying, 'Neymar has progressed very well. I think he improved a lot last week. It's a shame he couldn't train the whole time he was with us.

He can play more than 15 minutes. He's in good shape. But it depends a lot on the game context and how things develop.' The coach also rejected attempts at verbal sparring after remarks from Japan's Kento Shiogai, saying, 'I won't repeat what others say.

Brazil

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