Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has included injured superstar Neymar in the official 26-man roster for the ongoing World Cup, a decision that has sparked intense debate across South America.
The 34-year-old Santos forward remained on the bench during Brazil's opening match against Morocco on Saturday, June 13, which ended in a draw.
>>> Raynel Delgado's Late Heroics Lift Astros Past Tigers 4-2
He is still recovering from a right calf injury sustained in mid-May.
Gamble on Fitness
According to local analysts and former footballers, the call-up represents a significant gamble by the technical staff.
Neymar has not played for the national team since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament tear in 2023.
Ancelotti selected the country's all-time top scorer over fully fit, high-performing Premier League stars, including Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.
>>> Messi Hat Trick Powers Argentina Past Algeria in World Cup Opener
This has triggered public discussion regarding the selection strategy.
Media reports indicate that the coaching staff plans to keep Neymar sidelined throughout the group stage to avoid risking a long-term muscle tear.
They aim to ensure he fully recovers for the later knockout rounds.
The decision to deploy Neymar on the pitch will depend heavily on the performance of the Brazilian frontline, which currently features Vinícius Junior, Raphinha, and Endrick.
>>> Messi Ties World Cup Scoring Record in 200th Argentina Appearance
While a dominant performance from the starting attackers would allow the staff to keep Neymar protected, a failure to secure a multi-goal victory against Haiti in the next group stage match could force his early return to ensure qualification.
