Santos provide contradictory Neymar fitness update after superstar's latest snub by Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti

Back at his boyhood club Santos, however, the message could not be more different. Team doctor Rodrigo Zogaib confirmed the star is thriving physically, with no major concerns. In fact, the club insists they have been meticulous in monitoring Neymar’s condition since his return and believe he is performing at a level not seen for years. Their medical department even sent the Brazilian FA (CBF) a report clarifying a minor issue, which they stress never threatened his availability.

Zogaib moved to quash suggestions that Neymar was struggling. He admitted the attacker experienced a touch of swelling in his adductor following a clash with Vasco, but said the problem was swiftly resolved.

"As is standard, we contacted the CBF to inform them that he had this minor issue, but that he would only be treated for a few days and would be fit for the match against Fluminense," he said as reported by Ge Globo. "And that's exactly what happened, with him playing the full 90 minutes. He's in excellent shape. He's still on the rise and will continue to improve steadily. We're very pleased with his physical condition."

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Neymar in recent years has been his ability to stay fit for long stretches. But since rejoining Santos, he has answered those doubts emphatically. The former PSG and Barcelona talisman has featured in eight consecutive matches, completing every single one from start to finish. That kind of consistency has been absent from his career for some time, and it is precisely why Santos feel the narrative of ongoing fragility is unfair.

With 79 goals in 128 appearances, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and a player who thrives on the international stage. His last outing in the famous yellow shirt came back in October 2023, when he suffered a devastating knee ligament injury against Uruguay that ruled him out for a year. Now fully recovered, the expectation in Brazil is that he should be central to their World Cup push.

This Sunday, Neymar will take another step in his comeback journey as Santos travel to Atlético-MG. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm (Brasília time) at the Arena MRV, and it will mark Neymar’s first match on artificial turf since returning to Brazil.