Neymar, 34, hasn’t played for Brazil since their 2-0 defeat to Uruguay all the way back in 2023, a game in which he tore his ACL.
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Still, the forward’s return to Santos was in the hopes that he could become fit enough to feature at this summer’s World Cup.
He has managed to rediscover some form in Brazil, scoring four goals and providing two assists in his seven Serie A games so far this season.
Ancelotti has now given him hope, including the Santos forward in Brazil’s preliminary 55-man squad ahead of the tournament.
Several Brazil players have publicly called for Neymar to be included in the final squad, but the decision will ultimately be Ancelotti’s.