Ancelotti Unhurried on Neymar's Recovery Ahead of World Cup

Brazil's national team coach Carlo Ancelotti is taking a patient approach to Neymar's recovery, stating he is in no hurry for the star player to return from his calf injury. Neymar, 34, is progressing well and working hard, according to Ancelotti, who arrived in New Jersey with the Brazilian delegation.

The Brazilian icon has been dealing with recurring physical problems since late 2023, and his participation in what would be his fourth World Cup was in doubt after suffering a muscular injury in his right calf in May. Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the Seleção since the end of last year.

Ancelotti, who has led the five-time world champions for a year, expressed optimism about the team's prospects. "Everyone knows the expectation for Brazil, we arrive ready," he said. He added that the upcoming World Cup has no clear favorite, and Brazil will compete against all teams.

Brazil's recent World Cup history has seen them fall short of expectations, with their last success being in 2002. In the last five tournaments, they have only advanced past the quarterfinals once, in 2014 when they lost to Germany in the semifinals on home soil. The Seleção will kick off their North American World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco in Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti. They will play a final friendly match against Egypt on Saturday.