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Carlo Ancelotti will announce Brazil’s World Cup squad in less than a week, and the final list still carries several difficult decisions.
His plans have already been affected by serious injury setbacks, with Eder Militao out and Estevao facing only minor chances of recovering in time for the tournament.
Neymar remains the most divisive debate. His talent is unquestioned, but his fitness, rhythm and role make his potential call-up a major Brazil talking point.
Casemiro says Neymar can still give Brazil something different
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Casemiro has now weighed in, speaking to Rio Ferdinand on Rio Meets about whether he would include the Santos superstar in Ancelotti’s 26-man squad.
“Yes. But you don’t play him every game. Him playing every game, for me, it’s not perfect. When the game isn’t closed, when it’s nil-nil, you need a special goal, a special assist, then it’s for him,” the Manchester United midfielder began by saying.
“He changes the game and we don’t have this player at the moment. So it’s my opinion, but it’s up to Ancelotti.”
His answer felt measured. Casemiro was not calling for Neymar to be treated as an automatic starter, but as a weapon for specific moments.
Previously, he questioned whether the former Barcelona ace would be able to start on the bench for some games.
Neymar keeps hope alive with Santos goal
Neymar strengthened his case last weekend by scoring in Santos’ 2-0 victory over RB Bragantino, adding another timely moment before Ancelotti’s final decision.
His recent output has kept the debate alive, with four goals and one assist across his last nine appearances for Santos.
The wider question is whether that is enough.
Neymar’s name is reportedly on Brazil’s 55-man pre-list, so there is still a route into the final squad.
Casemiro’s view may be the compromise. The superstar does not need to carry Brazil every match, but he may still be worth taking for the one moment nobody else can produce.
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