Sports Desk, dbarta24.com – The uncertainty remains over when Neymar will step onto the pitch for the Brazil national team, despite his return to the squad after nearly three years. Due to an injury, he missed the warm-up matches.
Although he traveled to the United States with the team, he did not accompany them to Cleveland, Ohio, for the second preparation match. Instead, he stayed back in New Jersey for his rehabilitation.
There is even ambiguity surrounding his availability for Brazil’s opening match of the World Cup. Despite this, Brazil’s dream of winning their sixth world title (“Hexa”) still revolves around Neymar.
Neymar himself harbors high hopes of leading Brazil to a World Cup triumph. However, the 34-year-old footballer believes he has already carved out a permanent place for himself in the annals of football.
In an interview while participating in the Red Bull Ultimate Soccer Challenge, Neymar stated, “I think my legacy in football is already established.
Whenever football is spoken of, anyone will remember me in one way or another. So, I am extremely happy that I have been able to make history and cement my name in football history. One day, I will be able to tell my children and grandchildren how much important work I have done for my country.”
When asked exactly what he wants to be remembered for in the football world, Neymar replied, “I am someone who has stayed lively and authentic inside the pitch. Not just at Santos, Barcelona, PSG, or Al Hilal; every time I stepped onto the field, I gave my hundred percent, especially for the Brazil national team.”
Neymar is currently battling to recover from a Grade 2 strain in his left ankle muscle. An MRI will be conducted this Monday to properly assess the current status and progress of this injury.
Regarding Neymar’s injury situation, Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti said in a press conference last Friday, “I think Neymar’s situation is quite clear now. He is doing great with his individual rehab process.
He will undergo an MRI. If everything goes well, he can start practicing with the main team from next week.”
It has been 20 days since he sustained the injury while playing for Santos. Although the coach sounded optimistic, the probability of Neymar playing against a strong opponent like Morocco in Brazil’s first World Cup match on June 14 is very slim.
The Brazilian medical team is putting in maximum effort to make him available for the match against Haiti on June 20.