Carlo Ancelotti urged Neymar to prove he is in "good physical condition" as he believes he could be an important part of Brazil's World Cup squad.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Since his recovery, the 33-year-old has moved to boyhood club Santos but has been excluded from both of Ancelotti's squads so far amid ongoing injury issues.
It was originally stated that Neymar had been left out of the September squad due to injury, which the striker disputed, and Ancelotti later confirmed he had been left out due to “technical” reasons.
Neymar, who is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals, has the second most caps for his nation (behind Cafu), with 128 appearances.
He has scored six goals and registered three assists since returning to Santos, but Ancelotti said it will be Neymar's fitness, not his talent, that determines if he will be at next year’s World Cup.
"We are not going to observe how Neymar plays, obviously. Everyone knows his talent," Ancelotti told ESPN Brasil.
"In modern football, to take advantage of his talent, the player has to be in good physical condition. If he is in his best physical condition, he will have no problems being in the national team.
"Everyone wants Neymar in the national team in good physical condition. I spoke with him, and I said, 'You have time to prepare in the best way to be there and help the team try to do their best in the World Cup'."
Brazil secured their place in next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada in June, but after finishing their qualifying campaign with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Bolivia, they ranked fifth in the table.
Ancelotti was not disheartened by that result, though, and is still eagerly anticipating his first World Cup as a manager.
"Preparing the World Cup for Brazil is something special," he said.
"I signed the one-year contract. After the World Cup, everything is open. I believe that at that moment it was right to sign the one-year contract. I have no problem if the CBF wants to continue. There is no problem.
"As I said, I am very happy here, my family is happy too. We can think about it. We have time to talk about this; I have no problem continuing. It would be nice [to stay until 2030]."
soyadiknt
0
Neymar's talent was never the matter of questioning. Rather it was always his fitness issues that destroyed so much of his career.
You are lying
youngfarmer_10
1
We shall all see how it goes though .
dapaipsu
1
NEXT WORLDCup round, Please Neymar and Marcos leonardo
buhdekosty
0
He never works on his body. You need strength as a football player, the same thing CR7 advises Yamal on. He told him to hit the gym
Jahilnrtu
1
Neymar is very talented, from all angles but he spends more time on the ball, anytime he controls the ball......now football has changed so he shld try and do less with the ball and release to other's ...I personally like him and Leo.. Please send Neymar to the world 🌎 cup please.......
Sezilosz
0
yeeceprtz
3
You should never leave Ney if you really want to progress.
Nstech
0
Support you bro
With all my heart lol
Nstech
0
Injuries
Yeah true my rival 🤣
Shalltear
0
agree, talent is there but is he can stay fit for the rest of the tournament is the question
nuscdmopuy
0
Neymar spends most times on the pitch rolling and feigning injuries. He has never played convincing football til he is done
Hritangshu93
2
Neymar's talent was never the matter of questioning. Rather it was always his fitness issues that destroyed so much of his career.
nuscdmopuy
0
Neymar is completely done. He will never revive his jelly-legs.
Yiwcdnuyz
6
just called Neymar Jr to the world cup he is key player
wimbdetu
2
he shouldn't even be considered. when was the last time he actually played impressive football
hibadoryz
1
Ancelotti is a fool
Madcikmuz
3
Kunaeilpr
1
When Brazil play well at the world cup, surely the whole world is happy. Brazil is the salt in the world cup.
Laoadklnp
0
Coutinho is way too far good then Neymar at this moment but no one is talking about him what is that so special about Neymar by this time
Even your current barca team can’t tire the lace of Neymar’s shoe
cataepstu
1
Neymar will be at his best comes the world cup
Fohbcdekp
2
coach is correct.this is not time for sentiments
Hipbkmnosy
0
My favorite player in the world
Pozbrsz
1
yes
iiyalo
Zupcekors
0
fukabimstz
2
yes
ridouwnissaka
1
No
Zupcekors
1
Zuniklpsu
1
Is still my maestro
Bassboy
0
One of my best player I ever like
Niobdeprz
1
Ad
wepinoptz
0
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👑👑👑🦁
neccdmopuz
1
I wonder what went wrong for Neymar!! He was an incredible player, one of the best
Support you bro
Bucabckly
1
Coutinho is way too far good then Neymar at this moment but no one is talking about him what is that so special about Neymar by this time
neymar is the all time top scorer
Mimackor
1
Coutinho is way too far good then Neymar at this moment but no one is talking about him what is that so special about Neymar by this time
then you don't know football baby
The_Real_Baggio
2
I wonder what went wrong for Neymar!! He was an incredible player, one of the best
Injuries
Peyadlst
3
His presence is significant
Hitabinoy
4
Neymar all time brasil squad 🇧🇷
Coyblopt
2
Neymar shouldn't be in Brazil squad until he cuts down on flexing lifestyle. He clubs too much,which has actually affected his career. At 32, he's battling injuries everyday and night.
Disaekmpuy
2
Neymar is me m c nkem I du have to tell you if you need me Nigeria date stete umunede school mixed school play for champion f c but asking about me in Torino via bilioteche civich Tornesi is yes work in via Boston 14 Torino parsttcera .nkinem birdman please come I will be at your heart won't send you my photo just this and my phone is missing from the bad boys ?
liyaklmnp
0
Brazil National Team should have and must have hired a young coach who's fresh with new ideas.
Nstech
3
I wonder what went wrong for Neymar!! He was an incredible player, one of the best
bamadiloty
2
Old Man Ancelloti Neymar is just as finished as you
tonabiopsy
3
Coutinho is way too far good then Neymar at this moment but no one is talking about him what is that so special about Neymar by this time
Lizabceks
3
neymar is nothing please don't include him for world cup
liyaklmnp
2
Ancelotti will ruin Brazilian football with his crazy tactics.