Neymar denies injury and reveals reasons for his absence from the Brazilian national team

Neymar Contradicts Ancelotti on His Absence from the Brazilian National Team

Neymar has denied the statements of Carlo Ancelotti, who attributed an injury to the absence of the forward in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup qualifying matches. Ancelotti had justified the non-call-up of the Santos star, mentioning a “small injury” and the need for the player to be in optimal physical condition. However, Neymar, after playing 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw against Fluminense, offered a different version.

It was an inflammation in the adductor, a little discomfort, but nothing serious, so much so that I played today. I wasn’t going to play against Bahia anyway, so they preferred to save me some training sessions, leave me out so I could recover.

Neymar

The player clarified that his absence was due to the coach’s technical decisions, showing respect for the coach’s opinion. Neymar also added that, being out, he will support the team.

Brazil will face Chile on Wednesday and Bolivia on Tuesday in the upcoming qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup. Ancelotti’s team is currently in third place in the table, tied with Ecuador at 25 points, and behind Argentina.

• Estêvão
• Gabriel Martinelli
• João Pedro
• Kaio Jorge
• Luiz Henrique
• Matheus Cunha
• Raphinha
• Richarlison

In Ancelotti’s first two matches as coach in June, Brazil drew 0-0 with Ecuador and beat Paraguay 1-0. Neymar returned to Santos after leaving Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League.