Neymar In Great Shape As Brazil Target Scotland Clash, Says Martinelli

Brazil are optimistic Neymar will be ready to face Scotland in the final Group C match, with Gabriel Martinelli reporting that Neymar is training at a high level. The forward has rejoined full sessions after a calf problem, and Brazil want the all-time leading scorer available for Wednesday’s crucial World Cup fixture.

Brazil currently lead Group C after drawing 1-1 against Morocco and defeating Haiti 3-0 in their opening games. Those results have given the five-time champions control of the group, yet the meeting with Scotland in Miami will decide their final position before the knockout rounds.

Neymar has not played a competitive match for Brazil since October 2023, when an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Uruguay ended the forward’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Across 129 international appearances, Neymar has scored 79 goals. Eight of those goals have come at World Cup tournaments, with appearances at the last three editions.

The calf injury occurred before Neymar joined the Brazil squad for this tournament, which forced absence from the first two matches. Despite that setback, medical staff have now cleared Neymar to train fully. Carlo Ancelotti has already stated there is an expectation Neymar will be fit enough to feature against Scotland.

Martinelli described the standard of Neymar’s work since rejoining the group and highlighted the intensity shown. "He's performing at a very high level, and you could see the intensity in [Monday's] training session," Martinelli told a press conference. Those observations strengthen the belief inside the camp that Neymar can help decide the final group match.

Selection decisions remain with Ancelotti, and Martinelli stressed that point while praising Neymar’s attitude. "You could see how keen he is to be with us, and his quality is unquestionable. Whether he'll play or not is a question for the manager, but I think he's in great shape."

Brazil face Scotland on 24 June in Miami, with kick-off set for 18:00 local time and 19:00 in Brasília. Raphinha will miss the fixture through injury, which increases the importance of Neymar’s possible return. Brazil therefore approach the final group match leading the standings, yet still with significant fitness questions around a key player.