Neymar hit by Brazil president's 'working from home' remark
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Lula mocked Neymar for joining Brazil's squad whilst injured.
- Ancelotti expects Neymar to return against Scotland.
- VinÃcius Júnior backed Neymar's importance to Brazil.
The 34-year-old was included in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad despite carrying a calf problem sustained whilst playing for Santos in May.
Since arriving at the tournament, Neymar has been unable to feature, missing Brazil's opening matches against Morocco and Haiti.
Neymar faces criticism from Brazil President Lula
Hours before Brazil's convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti in Miami, Lula took aim at the country's all-time leading goalscorer during an event in Belo Horizonte.I saw something yesterday, that Neymar is the first player in the world to be called up to work from home. He is working from home.The Brazilian president did not stop there. When asked whether Neymar remained the world's best player, Lula instead highlighted Brazilian football icon Marta.
If you are asking me if Neymar is the best player in the world, I would suggest Marta.
Long-running political tension
Lula's comments are the latest chapter in a long-running public disagreement between the pair.Neymar openly supported former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro during previous elections, placing him on the opposite side of Brazil's political divide.
The footballer's backing of Bolsonaro has frequently drawn criticism from Lula and his supporters.
Despite the political backdrop, debate surrounding Neymar's World Cup call-up has largely centred on footballing concerns.
Many supporters questioned whether the veteran forward should have been selected whilst still recovering from injury.
Neymar has endured a difficult spell with fitness problems since suffering a serious ACL injury in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier.
Ancelotti confident Neymar will return
Whilst Neymar has yet to take part fully in team training since joining the squad, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains confident the forward will feature in the tournament.Following Brazil's win over Haiti, the Italian coach confirmed Neymar's recovery was progressing well and suggested he would be available for the team's final Group C fixture against Scotland.
Neymar will train individually tomorrow [Saturday]. On Monday, he will be with the team and he will be ready for the game against Scotland.A return against Scotland would mark Neymar's first appearance of the tournament and provide a major boost for Brazil as they look to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stages.
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VinÃcius Júnior eager for Neymar's return
Brazil winger VinÃcius Júnior also welcomed the prospect of Neymar's comeback.The Real Madrid star, who collected his second consecutive World Cup Man of the Match award against Haiti, described Neymar as a vital figure within the squad.
Neymar is a very important player for us. We hope he can play in the next match.
We are happy with his progress. Having him with the group is very important for all of us.
He is my idol and has always given me a lot of support. I hope he comes back for the next game and helps us throughout the World Cup.
Brazil await Neymar boost
Neymar remains Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 129 international appearances and is aiming to play in his fourth World Cup.Although questions continue to surround his fitness and selection, Ancelotti's latest update suggests the forward could finally make his tournament debut against Scotland.
If fit enough to return, Neymar's experience and creativity could prove crucial as Brazil pursue another World Cup crown.
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