Neymar Fails to Impress Ahead of Ancelotti’s Squad List

Neymar struggled to make an impact as Santos FC drew 1-1 with Corinthians in a key match ahead of Brazil’s upcoming squad announcement. The match, part of the sixth round of the Brazilian league, was closely watched by members of the technical staff of Carlo Ancelotti, who are evaluating players ahead of the next international break.

The Italian coach will reveal his squad on Monday for Brazil’s friendlies against the France national football team and the Croatia national football team on March 26 and 31. This call-up will also be the final one before Ancelotti announces the 26-man squad that will represent Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Since returning to Santos, Neymar has been trying to regain form and push for a comeback to the national team. However, injuries and muscle problems have limited his consistency on the pitch. The former Barcelona and PSG star has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifying match against the Uruguay national football team.

His most important contribution came in the build-up to the equalizer after he dispossessed Gabriel Paulista, leading to the goal scored by Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, in the 21st minute.

Corinthians had taken the lead just four minutes earlier through Dutch forward Memphis Depay. Late in the game, Neymar threatened with a header and had a chance from a free kick in stoppage time, but he failed to direct the ball on target.

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