Neymar fit for 90 minutes as Brazil prepare for Norway clash
Carlo Ancelotti confirms Neymar has fully recovered from his calf injury and is ready for a full match, though he admits the forward is frustrated by his bench role.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Granada
Brazil talisman Neymar has finally overcome a troublesome right calf injury, with manager Carlo Ancelotti confirming the forward is now physically capable of playing a full 90-minute match. The 34-year-old has endured a difficult start to the tournament, restricted to a single 14-minute cameo during the group-stage win over Scotland.
Ahead of Brazil’s round of 16 showdown against Norway in New Jersey, Ancelotti addressed questions regarding Neymar's fitness levels. The manager clarified that the forward's physical capacity is no longer in doubt, putting an end to the cautious approach used in previous matches.
The important thing is that he is available to play. How long he will play, nobody knows. He has the experience to manage his minutes and the tempo of the game. When I feel the team needs him, I will put him on. Yes, he can play 90 minutes. Carlo Ancelotti
Addressing the forward’s unhappiness with his substitute role, Ancelotti praised his player's conduct. "He is not happy, but he is behaving very well," the coach noted. "He is training very well. Neymar is highly respectful, amiable, and loved by his team-mates. Obviously, he wants to play, just as he always has."
The Selecao face a major test against a Norway side led by Erling Haaland. With Brazil currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak, the creative inclusion of Neymar could be the decisive factor in securing a quarter-final berth.