New Delhi:Brazil will take on Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on Monday, July 5.
Football fans all over the world are waiting to see if Neymar will play a bigger role for the team after his much-awaited debut in the group stage.
The forward’s return to the global tournament has been carefully managed after recovering from a calf injury, which he suffered while playing for Santos on May 17. Neymar made his first World Cup appearance during Brazil’s final group-match against Scotland.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti said that Neymar is available to play and has the experience to manage his minutes and the tempo of the game.
“The important thing is that he is available to play. How long he will play, nobody knows. When I feel the team needs him, I will put him on [the pitch],” Ancelotti said.
‘Neymar can play 90 minutes’
The former Real Madrid head coach said that Neymar is fully fit and can play 90 minutes. Ancelotti added that the forward is not happy but is behaving very well and training well.
“Yes. He can play 90 minutes. He is not happy, but he is behaving very well. He is training very well. Neymar is highly respectful, amiable, and loved by his teammates,” Ancelotti added.
The coach further added that Neymar is an important character in the squad because he has immense quality and is a very humble person.
“I am very happy with him. And obviously, he wants to play, just as he always has. He doesn’t directly say ‘I want to play,’ but that desire is quite clear. And it’s a positive thing. A player cannot be happy sitting on the bench,” he added.
Brazil have also received a major boost ahead of Monday’s Round of 16 clash against Norway, with Raphinha returning to full training after recovering from a hamstring injury.
