Newspaper questions Neymar's ability to help Brazil in the World Cup

This start to the World Cup has demonstrated that renowned names such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are truly top-shelf stars. The debut game was enough for them to honor their status on the international stage.

Contrary to this logic, however, the Brazilian Neymar appears. Also outside the duel with Haiti and recovering from a calf injury, Brazil's number 10 has been questioned as to his usefulness in making Brazil win the World Cup again.

The American portal "The Athletic" asked this question after Neymar didn't even accompany coach Carlo Ancelotti's team for the clash this Friday (19), in Philadelphia, in a match valid for the second round of Group C.

In its edition, the newspaper states that "it is very unlikely that Neymar will be fit for the knockout phase (Brazil still faces Scotland on the 24th) due to a persistent calf problem". The news report also recalls that this scenario "raised questions about coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to call him up again for the national team".

Unlike his rivals, who started the World Cup by scoring goals and impressing fans and the press, the image we have of Neymar is of a cornered "protagonist" surrounded by great uncertainty.

The publication recognizes the "supreme talent" of the Santos star, but given this scenario (of not being 100% physically), it makes a reservation: "if he is unable to play in the group stage, his participation in the knockout stage could also be uncertain".

Finally, "The Athletic" also recalled the bet on Ronaldo. In 2002, he was called up after facing a wave of serious injuries and led the Brazilian team to the title. However, despite being an "attractive" memory, the newspaper reports that, in the case of Neymar, the situation seems "increasingly unlikely".

Unlike the Santos player, the big stars started the competition hungry for goals. Messi scored three times in Argentina's debut against Algeria. Harry Kane, Mbappé, and Haaland also presented their goalscoring credentials and have already scored two goals so far. It remains to be seen whether Neymar will be able to take the field and, more than that, also make a difference for Brazil.

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Source: CNN