Brazil superstar Neymar is set to make his World Cup 2026 bow against Scotland. But coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing the brutal blow of losing Barcelona ace Raphinha for the crunch clash against Steve Clarke's troops.
Neymar's near three-year absence from his national team looks likely to end in the Group C showdown with the Scots in Miami. Controversially named in the squad, the 34-year-old has been absent from the opening two group games due to a calf injury.
However, Ancelotti confirmed following the 3-0 win over Haiti that Brazil's all-time leading scorer will, barring late setbacks, be available to face Clarke's side. He said: "Neymar will train individually tomorrow [Sunday]. Then, on Monday, he will be with the team and will be ready to play against Scotland."
Neymar did not travel with the squad to Philadelphia for the Haiti game, staying at the squad's New Jersey base to continue his recovery, and that patience looks set to pay off. However, as one winger returns, another could be out after Raphinha limped off during the first half of the Haiti game.
The Nou Camp ace was plagued by hamstring injuries through last term, and the issue struck again to leave Brazil teammates concerned for his situation. Real Madrid icon Vinicius Junior said: "It's a shame. I think it was the same injury as last time. We're very sad about that. I hope it's nothing serious and that he can continue with us."
Ex-West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta added: "He's a little down, we hope it's nothing serious, that it's the least bad thing because he's a very important player and we count on him a lot."
Brazil's medical team were due to assess the extent of Raphinha's injury during Saturday, with results due to determine whether he can face Scotland or even compete again at the tournament. Football Federation spokesman Rodrigo Caetano explained: "When a player is substituted due to a possible injury, it obviously makes us a little anxious and worried until he has the examination. We all hope it's nothing serious, that it's something simple, and that he can be with us as soon as possible. Raphinha has exceptional athletic ability, he's a very talented player, one of the great players in world football. God willing, when we see the results of the exams, we can not only calm ourselves down, but also calm all Brazilian fans."
Ancelotti's side struggled in their opening draw against Morocco, but looked better against Haiti as they now get set for the Scots challenge. Brazil top Group C on goal difference from the African champions, with Clarke's team a point behind in third spot. Ancelotti's men could crush Tartan dreams, but the coach has sole focus on his own side as he said: "We don't think about knocking out [Scotland]. We think about playing well, improving and we analyse the match. If we can reach the first position of the group, that would be important for the future. So we want to prepare well. Scotland has their features. They can create a problem. They created problems to Morocco and so we have to focus, be calm and be tranquil and keep on working to improve."
