Neymar ‘can play half the time or the full 90 minutes’: Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti has given good news about Neymar ahead of Brazil’s final group match against Scotland, saying the experienced forward is now fully fit and ready to play after recovering from a foot injury.

The Brazil coach said Neymar has been training very well all week. He could play any time or the entire match on Wednesday at Miami Gardens in Florida. The Seleção want to secure a knockout stage spot by winning this match.

“He is ready to play, he has trained very well this week. He is fit and ready to go on the pitch. We are very happy to have him back. He is a great player,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday.

Ancelotti added that the 34-year-old’s professional demeanor while recovering from injury has impressed the coaching staff and demonstrated his importance to the team.

“He can play from half time or the full 90 minutes,” said the Italian coach. “He is very good, he has worked hard, so he is ready. His attitude is very good, his mood is also great. He is a good player and a good teammate. He is very serious and we want to see him on the field as soon as possible.”

“I’m very happy. His experience and knowledge will help the team—he’s doing very well.”

While Brazil will be bolstered by the return of Neymar, the five-time world champions will be without Barcelona winger Rafinha, who was ruled out of Friday’s 3-0 win over Haiti with a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old was forced off in the 40th minute and will miss the final Group C match.

Ancelotti confirmed that he has already decided who will play in Rafinha’s place, but did not want to say the strategy just yet. Bournemouth’s young footballer Ryan, who came on the field after Rafinha was injured against Haiti, has caught the eye with his good performance. So he is also in the running.

“We are not thinking about anything other than playing a good match with the best team. We have a clear idea of ​​who will play in Rafinha’s place,” Ancelotti said.

Brazil enter the match with four points from two matches. They only need a draw with Scotland to advance. Scotland, on the other hand, have three points and are still in contention to advance.

In the other match in the group, Morocco, with four points, will face Haiti in Atlanta, which will determine who will top the group.