Ancelotti, since taking over as Brazil coach last summer, has not extended an invitation to the ace winger, Neymar.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The head coach of Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti, has made it clear to ace wingers, Vinicius Jr. and Neymar Jr. that they do not have a guaranteed spot in his squad for the 2026 World Cup, adding that they must be fit and playing for their clubs to make the tournament.
The Italian tactician made this known recently while appearing as a guest in an interview with Esporte Report.
While Vinicius Jr. has been invited to the Brazil team by Ancelotti, Neymar has yet to get a call-up since the former Real Madrid coach was appointed last summer.
This means Neymar has missed a total of eight matches for the Seleção since the Italian’s arrival.
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However, when addressing the criteria to be met before the two forwards can be named in his squad, Ancelotti warned that they must be 100 percent fit and consistent with their game.
Speaking during the chat, he said, “There are many very good players, I need to choose players who are at 100%. It’s not just Neymar, it could be Vinicius.
“If Vinicius is at 90%, I’ll call up another player who is at 100%, because it’s a team with a very high level of competition, especially in attack.
“In attack, we have many very good players.”
