Story perspectives

Neymar's Fitness Concerns Shadow Brazil's World Cup Aspirations

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Neymar has been included in Brazil's preliminary squad for friendlies against France and Croatia on March 26 and 31, 2024.
He will miss Santos' match against Mirassol due to chronic muscle fatigue, raising fitness concerns ahead of the World Cup.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti planned to evaluate Neymar during the match but will now depend on assistant coaches.
Neymar's absence disappoints Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation, complicating his World Cup selection.
He last played for Brazil in October 2023 and has faced ongoing injury issues since returning to Santos.

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Story summary

Neymar has been included in Brazil's preliminary squad for friendlies against France and Croatia on March 26 and 31, 2024.
He will miss Santos' match against Mirassol due to chronic muscle fatigue, raising fitness concerns ahead of the World Cup.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti planned to evaluate Neymar during the match but will now depend on assistant coaches.
Neymar's absence disappoints Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation, complicating his World Cup selection.
He last played for Brazil in October 2023 and has faced ongoing injury issues since returning to Santos.