Soccer
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will undergo an MRI scan on Monday as he continues his race to be fit for the World Cup.
Neymar suffered a calf injury while playing for Santos on May 17, just one day before he was named in Brazil’s squad for the tournament.
The Selecao’s all-time top scorer has not featured for Brazil since October 2023 due to a string of injuries, and though he has publicly stated he is not worried about his current issue, Ancelotti remains wary.
Brazil face Egypt in their final friendly before the World Cup on Saturday, a match in which Neymar will play no part.
And while Ancelotti remains optimistic that Neymar will be fit for their opener against Morocco on June 13, the MRI could also rule him out.
“I think his situation is quite clear,” Ancelotti said of Neymar in Friday’s press conference.
“He’s doing a great job on his own. After the weekend, he’ll have an MRI scan, and then, if everything goes well, he can train with the squad next week.”
Último dia de preparação para o amistoso com a Seleção do Egito. Amanhã tem Brasil em campo! #BateNoPeito pic.twitter.com/8241m5UdUe
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 5, 2026
While Neymar will not be available in Cleveland, Ancelotti will be using the match as an opportunity to get one last look at his squad.
As such, he will start Igor Thiago, who finished as the Premier League’s second-highest scorer in 2025-26, with 22 goals, and Lucas Paqueta.
Both came off the bench to score in Brazil’s 6-2 thrashing of Panama last time out, with Thiago also getting an assist, and Ancelotti is looking forward to seeing what else they can do.
“It’s the last match to run tests,” Ancelotti added.
“Paqueta is an important player for us because he has different characteristics from the other midfielders. I want to test him and test Igor Thiago in the game.
“I think the system with the front four is already well established. I want to test a new alternative in this final test.”
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