Neymar has two Santos matches to prove fitness for Brazil squad

Neymar faces a 12-day window to convince Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti he is fit for international duty after Santos’ early exit from the Campeonato Paulista. With the squad due to be finalised on March 16, the forward has just two fixtures — Mirassol on March 10 and Corinthians on March 15 — to demonstrate consistent physical endurance.

The opening for a recall has widened because of injuries in the attacking ranks. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo suffered a knee ligament rupture that rules him out for the domestic season and the World Cup, while Chelsea’s Estevao remains doubtful as he recovers from a muscular problem.

That shortage could make a return for Neymar necessary and would offer him the chance to appear for the national team under Ancelotti. Ancelotti’s backroom staff are closely tracking performance data, with physical metrics the main hurdle for the Santos forward; his output over the past year was judged below the level required for a World Cup squad.

Brazil

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