'Nothing to do with my physical condition' - Neymar contradicts Carlo Ancelotti's explanation for leaving him out of latest Brazil squad

The 33-year-old superstar was one of several household names to be left out of the latest Selecao squad. Neymar is back in his homeland at Santos and eager to grace the World Cup finals next summer.

He will not be gracing the final rounds of qualifiers ahead of that event, with Brazil already assured of their tickets to FIFA’s flagship event, with the decision taken to leave him out of meetings with Chile and Bolivia.

Ancelotti claimed that Neymar was overlooked due to another knock, with the Italian coach saying: “Neymar isn't in this second squad because he had a minor problem last week, but he doesn't need to prove anything. Everyone knows Neymar, the national team, and all the Brazilian fans. Neymar, like everyone else, needs to be in good physical shape to help the team perform well and try to give their best at the World Cup.”

Neymar insists he is fully fit, telling reporters after lining up against fellow Brazil legend Thiago Silva in Santos’ goalless draw with Fluminense: “I had swelling in my adductor muscle. It was annoying, but nothing serious, I even played today. Against Bahia, I wasn't going to play (suspension) so they preferred to keep me out of training so I could recover.

“I think I was left out (by Brazil) for technical reasons, I think it has nothing to do with my physical condition.”

Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals to his name through 128 appearances, last represented his country in October 2023 - with knee ligament damage being suffered in a clash with Uruguay that kept him sidelined for 12 months.