Neymar to start at World Cup? Carlo Ancelotti says Brazil forward can finally play full 90 minutes and admits he's 'not happy' with bench role

Neymar could finally play a prominent role for Brazil at the tournament after completely overcoming a troublesome right calf injury. The 34-year-old forward has endured a frustrating campaign, registering just a single 14-minute cameo off the bench during the group-stage victory over Scotland. However, concerns regarding his match fitness have now been officially dispelled by his manager, handing the Selecao a massive offensive boost ahead of their encounter against Norway in New Jersey.

During an interview with Folha de S.Paulo, Ancelotti offered a detailed assessment of how Neymar is managing life on the sidelines.

When questioned whether he would continue to hold the forward in reserve for a potential extra-time period - having kept him unused on the bench against Japan for that exact reason - the veteran Italian tactician highlighted Neymar's maturity and ability to dictate matches.

He stated: "The important thing is that he is available to play. How long he will play, nobody knows. He has the experience to manage his minutes and the tempo of the game. When I feel the team needs him, I will put him on [the pitch]."

The former Real Madrid head coach then responded directly to queries regarding the forward's physical capacity to last a full match: "Yes. He can play 90 minutes."

Addressing the emotional challenges of a world-class player being named among the substitutes, the boss offered praise for his exemplary conduct: "He is not happy, but he is behaving very well.

"He is training very well. Neymar is highly respectful, amiable, and loved by his team-mates. He is an important character in the squad because he possesses immense quality and is a very humble person. I am very happy with him. And obviously, he wants to play, just as he always has."

When asked if Neymar had openly demanded an inclusion in the starting XI, the head coach clarified the internal dynamic: "He doesn't directly say 'I want to play,' but that desire is quite clear. And it’s a positive thing. A player cannot be happy sitting on the bench."

Brazil face a demanding test in the round of 16 against an in-form Norway side led by prolific striker Erling Haaland. The Selecao enter the clash on a seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, heavily relying on the stellar form of Vinicius Junior. Neutralising Norway's physical aerial threat while successfully utilising Neymar’s creative brilliance at any stage of the match will likely be paramount if Ancelotti’s men are to book a quarter-final berth.