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Neymar is in Brazil’s preliminary squad for friendlies against France and Croatia. Coach Ancelotti will finalize the squad on March 16.
Neymar’s career has been marred by injuries. (AP Photo)
Neymar could be edging closer to a return to the Brazil national football team after being included in the preliminary squad for upcoming international friendlies later this month.
According to Brazilian outlet GE, the 34-year-old attacker has been named in the pre-list by head coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Brazil’s matches against France national football team and Croatia national football team during the next FIFA international break.
The final squad for the two fixtures is expected to be announced on March 16.
Monitoring Neymar’s Fitness
Ancelotti had initially planned to watch Neymar in action during Santos FC’s Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match against Mirassol FC this week.
However, the forward was not included in the squad for that game as part of a load management program designed to protect him from injury.
The club confirmed that Neymar trained normally but would continue intensifying muscular conditioning rather than featuring in the match. He is instead expected to return for Santos’ upcoming derby against Sport Club Corinthians Paulista at Vila Belmiro.
That match could now be the one where Ancelotti observes the Brazilian star in person.
Positive Signs Since Return
Neymar only returned to competitive action on February 15 after recovering from injury.
His comeback began with a substitute appearance against Velo Clube, where he immediately provided an assist.
He then started matches against Grêmio Novorizontino and CR Vasco da Gama. In the latter, Neymar scored two goals in a 2–1 victory, showing encouraging signs of form since returning to the pitch.
Important Tests Ahead of World Cup
The friendlies against France and Croatia will be played in the United States, France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando on March 31, and will serve as crucial preparation matches ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They are expected to be Brazil’s final friendlies before the tournament squad is finalised, making the upcoming selection particularly significant.
March 09, 2026, 23:19 IST
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