Neymar ruled out of World Cup opener due to injury with Carlo Ancelotti hopeful Brazil star can feature in other group matches

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Neymar will miss Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on Saturday through injury, but Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful that he will be ready to make his long-awaited comeback soon.

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The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker has been nursing a calf injury, and is yet to return to full training.

Ancelotti said that Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will start training with the squad next week, meaning he will remain a doubt for their second group game against Haiti on June 20.

Brazil will conclude the group phase with a game against Scotland four days later.

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Ancelotti said: "Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible.

"The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week.

”When we call up Neymar, we call him not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience, and the example he can set for the young players in this group."

The Santos forward has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to injuries, but was picked in Ancelotti’s World Cup squad ahead of Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison.

It will be the 34-year-old’s fourth World Cup, having represented the Selecao at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Indeed, Neymar is the only surviving squad member from the 7-1 semi-final mauling against Germany in 2014, though he was forced to watch the encounter from the sidelines due to injury.

In Neymar’s absence, teenager Endrick will be vying with Brentford’s Igor Thiago to lead the line, while Vinicius Junior and Raphinha will likely start on the flanks.

"Fear is an important part of life," Ancelotti said, when asked about Brazilian nerves ahead of their opening game.

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"If you're not afraid, and you're caught off guard, you might see a lion and think it's a cat.

"Fear can save your life; it's always good to be alert and focused, so that your team plays a great game - and isn't caught off guard."

He continued: "I'm an optimist by nature, and I'm very confident. We're well-prepared to play a great game tomorrow and have a great World Cup.

"We need ‌to ⁠put in a complete performance in every respect. In modern football, there are no minnows; Morocco is one of the best teams in Africa."

Vinicius: 'We're here to become champions'

Speaking ahead of Brazil's Morocco encounter, a defiant Vinicius insisted that the World Cup was the most "important" moment of his career, and that the Canarinho wanted to claim a record-extending sixth World Cup crown.

"We’re here to become champions," he said. "We’re on the same level as the top national teams and squads, with great players who have been improving and evolving over the last few months.

"It doesn't matter who won the last Copa America, or the Euros. What matters is what happens, starting tomorrow, and for us to start strong, change history, and have an excellent tournament.

"This is the most special and important moment of my career. I’ve reached the physical and technical level I always dreamed of, and I haven't had a single injury all season. I prepared thoroughly for this moment.

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"Playing under Ancelotti also gives me great peace of mind, because he grants me a lot of freedom, and the confidence to do everything I’ve done for Real Madrid here with the Brazilian national team.

"I believe there’s no better place - with these eight games ahead - to change the narrative for our country and for the players.

"It’s going to be crucial. I’m not just talking about goals or assists, but about playing well, instilling the necessary confidence in the team, and winning.

"Winning is what matters most, regardless of the specific match situation. That is what will determine how far Brazil go."

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