Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic that star forward Neymar will recover in time for the team`s opening match of the World Cup despite concerns over a recent calf injury.
Speaking on Saturday, Ancelotti said Neymar`s rehabilitation is progressing well and suggested the veteran attacker could be available for Brazil`s first match against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.
The Italian coach added that even if Neymar is unable to feature in the opening fixture, he is expected to be ready for Brazil`s second group-stage match.
Neymar, 34, will miss Brazil`s upcoming World Cup warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt as he continues his recovery.
Brazil are scheduled to face Panama at the Maracana before travelling to New Jersey for a training camp. The team will then play a final preparatory match against Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland.
The inclusion of Neymar in Ancelotti`s 26-man World Cup squad had surprised many observers, as the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star had not represented Brazil for nearly three years due to recurring injuries and inconsistent form.
Now playing for Brazilian club Santos FC, Neymar remains one of the most decorated players in the country`s history.
He is Brazil`s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances and is preparing for what would be his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance.
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