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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ancelotti urges Neymar to focus on full recovery</li><li>Neymar still central to Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plans</li><li>Return likely in September qualifiers if fit again</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'He has the time!' - Carlo Ancelotti challenges Neymar to prove he can become a 'very important player' for Brazil again as countdown to 2026 World Cup begins

Serie A

Mirassol

Santos FC

<p>Ancelotti began his tenure as Brazil's head coach earlier this month and has addressed one of the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/neymar-play-anywhere-carlo-ancelotti-insists-santos-star-huge-role-brazil-when-fit-injured/blt1148618aac6010f1" target="_blank">biggest questions surrounding the team, Neymar’s future</a>. The 32-year-old has been out of international action since suffering an ACL injury in October 2023. The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/neymar-emotional-motivation-santos-contract-extension-new-deal/blt8cac6437619ae0ae" target="_blank">former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona forward returned to Santos in 2025</a> but has continued to battle recurring injuries, missing recent qualifiers for the Selecao in March and June.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/counting-on-him-carlo-ancelotti-explains-neymar-omission-brazil-squad-santos-star-key-role/blt17867baeee3d686a" target="_blank">Brazil have struggled for attacking consistency in Neymar’s absence</a> and are looking for experienced leadership as they begin shaping their squad for the 2026 World Cup. Still, Ancelotti’s belief in the superstar underscores just how influential he remains when healthy. The Italian confirmed he has already spoken directly with Neymar and told the forward that he still has time to prepare for a comeback.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to CONMEBOL’s official website, Ancelotti said: "Yes, I’ve spoken with him. He’s a very important player for our national team, for the World Cup. He needs to prepare well—he has the time to do it. I’ve spoken with him about this, that he should prepare properly, because we have the idea that he will become a very important player for the Brazilian national team."</p>

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

<p>If Neymar stays on track with his recovery, he is expected to make his long-awaited Brazil return in September’s World Cup qualifiers. Brazil host Chile on September 9 before travelling to face Bolivia on the 14th, two matches that could mark Neymar’s first appearance for the Selecao in nearly two years.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR BRAZIL?

'He has the time!' - Carlo Ancelotti challenges Neymar to prove he can become a 'very important player' for Brazil again as countdown to 2026 World Cup begins | Goal.com

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a clear challenge to Neymar Jr, insisting the veteran forward has enough time to get back to his best and become a &quot;very important player&quot; for Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The former Real Madrid boss, who has officially taken charge of the Selecao, believes Neymar still has a role to play if he can stay fit and focused.

&apos;He has the time!&apos; - Carlo Ancelotti challenges Neymar to prove he can become a &apos;very important player&apos; for Brazil again as countdown to 2026 World Cup begins

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