Neymar (foto: Getty Images)
Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar will remain in Brazil's World Cup squad despite injury concerns and expects the forward to recover during the tournament.
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Carlo Ancelotti has moved quickly to end growing speculation surrounding Neymar's fitness and World Cup future.
The new Brazil coach confirmed that the country's all-time leading scorer remains fully part of his plans despite arriving at camp carrying an injury.
Questions emerged after Neymar joined the squad in Teresopolis with discomfort in his right calf, forcing the medical staff to run further examinations.
Initial information from Santos suggested the issue was only swelling, but tests inside the national team camp reportedly revealed a grade II muscle injury.
Despite the concern, Ancelotti made his position clear.
"To be clear, Neymar is going to be with us. We think he can recover for the first match against Morocco and, if not, for the second."
The Italian coach also dismissed any possibility of making late changes to his squad.
"No doubt that these 26 players are going to play in the World Cup."
Neymar's physical condition has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the tournament, especially considering his recent injury history and limited playing rhythm.
Still, Ancelotti believes the 34-year-old remains too important to leave behind.
"The player was called up because he had to be called up. We think Neymar will recover as soon as possible. He is working well, and he is in good spirits."
The coach also revealed he has already spent time discussing tactical responsibilities with Neymar as Brazil prepares for the tournament in North America.
"Neymar understood very well the role he has to play in this World Cup."
"Every day, he is doing very well. He is working very well to recover as soon as possible."
Neymar will miss warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt while continuing rehabilitation behind closed doors.
The focus now is getting him fit for Brazil's opening group match against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.
If the opener arrives too soon, Brazil remain optimistic he will return shortly afterward.
For Ancelotti, there appears to be no World Cup without Neymar.