Overview
- Speaking after the World Cup draw in Washington on Friday, Carlo Ancelotti said he "owes no one" a place and will pick on merit and 100% fitness.
- He set the decision window as evaluations during the March FIFA fixtures, with Brazil’s final squad to be named in May.
- Neymar has not been selected since Ancelotti took charge in May and has yet to fully rebound from his October 2023 ACL tear.
- The 33-year-old scored a midweek hat trick for Santos while managing a muscular issue and was expected to play again Sunday against Cruzeiro.
- Reports indicate he is likely to undergo arthroscopic meniscus surgery after the season and his Santos contract is nearing expiry, adding uncertainty to his World Cup prospects.