Carlo Ancelotti confirms Neymar is ready for full 90-minute return as Brazil star eyes Scotland clash

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar is finally ready to make his long-awaited return to action at the 2026 World Cup.

After missing Brazil’s opening group-stage matches against Morocco and Haiti with a calf injury, the Santos forward has returned to full training and could feature heavily against Scotland in the Selecao’s final Group C fixture.

Ancelotti even suggested the 34-year-old is physically capable of completing the entire match if required.

Neymar ready after injury frustration

Neymar arrived at the tournament carrying a calf problem sustained during his time with Santos, forcing Brazil’s medical staff to carefully manage his workload during the opening stages of the competition.

However, after successfully completing a full week of training, the Brazilian icon is now back in contention and eager to make his first appearance of the tournament.

The timing could hardly be better for Brazil, who are looking to secure qualification for the knockout rounds while also managing a growing injury list in attack.

Ancelotti delivers positive update

Speaking ahead of the Scotland clash, Ancelotti offered an encouraging assessment of Neymar’s condition and mentality.

“He is available, he trained very well this week, he is fit and able and ready to play,” Ancelotti said.

“We are very happy that he is back. He is a high-quality player.

“He can play half the match or the whole 90 minutes. He is very well. He worked very hard, so he is ready.”

The veteran coach also highlighted Neymar’s professionalism throughout his rehabilitation process.

“His attitude is very good, he is in very good spirits. He’s a good player and teammate, he’s very serious and we want to put him back to play as soon as possible.

“He brings experience and knowledge, and he is doing very well.”

Huge boost for Brazil’s attack

Neymar’s return comes at an important moment for Brazil following the injury suffered by Raphinha during the 3-0 victory over Haiti.

The Barcelona winger is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem, leaving Ancelotti short of one of his most influential attacking weapons.

While youngsters such as Endrick, Rayan and Igor Thiago remain available, Neymar’s experience and creativity offer a completely different dimension to Brazil’s attack.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer and has scored eight goals across previous World Cup tournaments.

Scotland challenge awaits

Scotland still have hopes of reaching the knockout rounds and will need a positive result against Brazil to strengthen their qualification prospects.

That scenario could persuade Ancelotti to give Neymar significant minutes rather than easing him back gradually.

Whether he starts or emerges from the bench, all signs point toward Neymar finally making his first appearance of the competition.

And after weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, Brazil’s biggest star now appears ready to take centre stage once again.