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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is set to feature prominently in his team's clash with Scotland on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old sat out Brazil's opening two group games at the World Cup due to a calf injury sustained shortly after being named in the final squad, but has been participating fully in training sessions alongside his teammates over the past several days.
"He is available, he trained really well this week," Ancelotti stated on the eve of the match. "He is fit and ready to play. We are very pleased to have him back. He is a top-quality player.
"He can come on at half time or play the full 90 minutes. He is in great shape, he worked extremely hard, so he is ready.
"His attitude has been excellent, he's in high spirits, he's a great player and a great teammate. He's very focused and we want to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible. I'm very pleased. He brings experience and knowledge—he is doing really well."
What Role Will Neymar Play for Brazil?
Despite Ancelotti hinting at a possible full 90 minutes for Neymar, that outcome appears highly improbable.
The iconic attacker has been sidelined for more than a month due to this calf problem and, considering his lengthy injury record, it would be a major shock to see Neymar thrown straight into the starting eleven at the first opportunity.
This is no time for Ancelotti to take unnecessary risks. Brazil sits at the top of Group C but must defeat Scotland to guarantee a first-place finish. Morocco is anticipated to beat Haiti and wrap up the group on seven points, meaning goal difference could prove decisive if Brazil also dispatches Scotland.
Ancelotti is expected to field his strongest available lineup, excluding the injured Raphinha, from the outset against Scotland, potentially calling upon his substitutes later in the game if Brazil manages to build a commanding advantage over a Scotland side that requires a victory to break into the top two and could still potentially finish as group winners if results fall in their favor.
The difficult truth for Neymar is that, at this point in his career, he does not automatically slot into Brazil's strongest starting eleven. Raphinha's absence does open up a spot for an additional forward, but the likes of Rayan, Endrick, and Gabriel Martinelli all appear to rank ahead of Neymar in the selection hierarchy.
That said, he still possesses the quality to make a meaningful impact from the bench, which may well be the most sensible approach at this stage as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.
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"[Neymar] is at a very high level and eager to play," Martinelli said. "Everyone is aware of his quality.
"We can see how motivated he is, and we're delighted to have a player of his caliber available and showing the attitude and desire he has been displaying."