Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar is expected to feature more heavily in Monday’s highly anticipated World Cup round-of-32 clash against Japan in Houston. The talismanic attacker has been managing a persistent calf muscle injury, which severely restricted his involvement during the initial stages of the tournament.
The veteran forward made his long-awaited return to international football during Brazil’s final group fixture against Scotland. That brief appearance marked the end of a lengthy absence, as he pulled on the famous yellow shirt for the first time in nearly two and a half years. Given his delicate physical condition, the coaching staff opted for extreme caution, limiting his cameo to just fifteen minutes during the comfortable 3-0 victory.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Ancelotti expressed significant optimism regarding the player’s recovery and overall fitness levels. The Italian manager noted that the forward had made remarkable progress over the preceding seven days. He acknowledged that whilst it was disappointing to restrict such a crucial asset to a mere quarter of an hour in the previous match, the medical team has now cleared him for a much larger workload. The Seleção camp is confident that their primary playmaker will play a central role in breaking down a disciplined Japanese defence.
Brazil enter the knockout phase in formidable form, having recovered from a somewhat sluggish start to their campaign. Their tournament began with a tense 1-1 draw against Morocco, but they quickly found their rhythm. Consecutive 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland ensured they secured the top spot in Group C.
The South American giants have displayed tremendous attacking potency even in the partial absence of their veteran talisman. Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior has led the charge with four goals, whilst Matheus Cunha has chipped in with three. With Neymar now poised to orchestrate the attack for extended periods, Brazil’s frontline looks increasingly ominous for the remainder of the tournament.