Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is willing to leave an "unimaginable" name off his 2026 World Cup squad in order to include Neymar in the squad.
Neymar has endured two difficult, injury-plagued seasons with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, and many thought it would end his international career.
However, he returned to his boyhood club, Santos, last year and seems to have rediscovered his love for football.
The 34-year-old has scored 17 goals and helped Santos avoid relegation, adding 8 assists.
Brazil has a very strong attacking unit, but that hasn't stopped fans from hoping that Neymar can make the "final leap" on the biggest stage in world football.
He has not played for the national team since 2023, while a new generation of strikers has taken the lead role in trying to bring Brazil its first World Cup since 2002.
Ancelotti had previously stated that Neymar's chances of making the squad were slim, but a new report from ESPN suggests that the situation has changed and that a big name could be left out.
According to the report, Neymar has ruined the plans of several players who were considered "ready" for the team.
The biggest name in this category is Chelsea striker João Pedro, who has had a brilliant debut season with 20 goals in all competitions, including 15 in the Premier League.
There is now a real possibility that Neymar will be selected ahead of him when the list is published on Monday.
Brazil's expected roster also includes Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli. Meanwhile, Endrick, Igor Thiago and Rayan are also candidates, while Estêvão is out with a thigh injury.
Ancelotti is aware of the huge public interest surrounding Neymar, who remains the top scorer in Brazil's history with 79 goals in 128 matches.
However, the Italian coach has doubts about whether his body can handle the pace of such a busy tournament.
"He is a great talent. The question is not whether he knows how to control or pass the ball," Ancelotti said.
"The question is whether his physical condition is sufficient," he added.
Brazil are in Group C of the World Cup and will kick off the tournament against Morocco on June 13, before facing Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 24./Express newspaper/
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