Neymar Back to Brazil Camp after Rodrygo's Injury? Ancelotti Shares Plans for Santos Legend

As the Brazilian national football team gears up to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they suffered a major blow recently as Rodrygo was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a nasty knee injury while playing for Real Madrid. Now, a question has popped up on who exactly will step in as Rodrygo's replacement in the Brazil squad for the tournament, with some speculating on whether the Neymar Brazil Call-Up for the World Cup can now become a reality after the recent turn of events.

What Did Carlo Ancelotti Say About Potential Neymar Call-Up To Brazil Squad?

The Rodrygo injury has definitely caused Carlo Ancelotti to change up his plans for the Brazil national football team for the 2026 World Cup, as the Real Madrid star was one of the players locked in for the final squad for the tournament. However, the Italian coach will now need to look for an adequate replacement, and there is a chance for Neymar Brazil Call-Up to happen because of the unfortunate event with Rodrygo.

It's now being reported that Carlo Ancelotti is considering the prospect of giving Neymar Brazil Call-Up for their upcoming friendly matches in the March 2026 international break. Brazil are slated to play two friendlies against France and Croatia to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The latest of Carlo Ancelotti on Neymar is that the Santos star will be called up to the camp and be given a chance to prove himself as a capable contender for the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar has two more matches to play for Santos before Ancelotti announces his Brazil squad for the friendlies, so if able to perform at a high level, the 34-year-old could make a return to action for Brazil soon. However, with the likes of Real Betis star Antony and Lyon winger Endrick being possible contenders to replace Rodrygo in the World Cup squad, Neymar has to do something special to win over Ancelotti.

How's Neymar's Season Going before 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Neymar has recently had his own struggles with a knee injury, which kept his playing time very limited in 2025 for Santos, whom he rejoined in January (2025) to help them compete at a high level. The 34-year-old has only made three appearances in 2026 for Santos FC, but has looked really sharp in recent clashes by scoring two goals and providing an assist in his limited appearances. It's clear that Neymar is pushing for a World Cup squad and his encouraging performances could force a positive Carlo Ancelotti on Neymar decision.

Neymar Jr, of course, boasts a lot of experience in playing at FIFA World Cups for Brazil. He's played in three World Cup editions so far and even helped Brazil reach the semi-finals in the 2014 edition. The 34-year-old has 79 goals and 59 assists for Brazil in his international career, and has 12 goal contributions (eight goals, four assists) in 13 FIFA World Cup appearances so far.