PHILADELPHIA — Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star playmaker Neymar will be available for the Seleção’s final Group C fixture against Scotland on Wednesday. The 34-year-old attacking midfielder, who has been sidelined since the start of the tournament due to a grade two calf strain, is set to rejoin the squad for full training early next week.
Pathway to Fitness
Neymar’s recovery has been closely managed since he was named on the bench for Brazil's opening 1-1 draw against Morocco. Following that fixture, the coaching staff opted to keep him in New Jersey to continue a rigorous rehabilitation program.
Ancelotti provided a positive update following Brazil's 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday, noting that the player's progression has been steady. "Neymar will be training tomorrow individually, and on Monday with the rest of the team," Ancelotti stated. "He will be available for the match against Scotland."
Timely Boost for the Seleção
The return of the veteran midfielder comes at a critical moment for the squad, as the team grapples with fresh injury concerns. Winger Raphinha was forced to withdraw during the first half of the win against Haiti with a suspected hamstring injury.
While Ancelotti confirmed that Raphinha requires further medical testing, the potential loss of the winger who previously suffered a hamstring strain late in the 2025/26 club season is a significant blow. Neymar’s reintroduction to the lineup provides Brazil with much-needed depth and creative experience as they aim to solidify their top-of-the-group standing in Miami.
Group C Stakes
Having navigated a challenging start to the tournament, Brazil now sits level on four points with Morocco at the top of the group. A result against Scotland will be vital to ensuring the Seleção enters the Round of 32 with momentum and a favorable seeding. With Neymar back in the fold, Brazil is expected to bolster its attacking options in the final push for the knockout stages.
