Neymar Jr. training in the Brazil camp (Photo: @CBF_Futebol/X)
Brazil fans were given mixed news ahead of their 2026 World Cup clash with Scotland on Thursday. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Rafinha will miss Brazil’s final group stage match against Scotland on Wednesday (local time), while also revealing that Neymar is fully fit and available to play the entire match if necessary.Rafinha left the field in the 40th minute of Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti in the previous match in the group stage after suffering an injury. Despite the setback, the Barcelona winger remained optimistic about his recovery, posting on Instagram that he would “do everything in my power to recover and be back as soon as possible.”With Rafinha not available, Ancelotti indicated that Neymar is likely to replace him, stressing that the veteran striker is ready to play the full 90 minutes if necessary.“We are not thinking about anything else but playing a good match with the best possible lineup, and the same applies to the strikers,” Ancelotti said via Globo.Ancelotti added: “Neymar is available. He trained very well this week. He is ready to play, and we are very happy to have him back. He is a high-quality player.”
The Brazilian coach also explained that Neymar could start the match or come off the bench, depending on the team’s needs.
Carlo Ancelotti concluded his speech by saying: “He can play from the first half or the whole 90 minutes. He is doing very well and worked very hard, so he is ready. His behavior has been excellent, he is in good spirits, he is a great player and a great teammate. He is very serious, and we want to get him back playing as soon as possible. I am very happy. He brings experience and knowledge, and is doing a very good job.” Neymar did not participate in Brazil’s first two matches against Morocco and Haiti due to a calf injury.