Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti gambles World Cup hopes on injured Neymar
Carlo Ancelotti has risked Brazil’s World Cup ambitions by relying on an injured Neymar while omitting established centre-forwards for the 2026 tournament.
The South American giants begin their group stage campaign against Morocco on Saturday, but are not considered outright favourites alongside the likes of France, Argentina and Spain.
Their Italian head coach has chosen to gamble on the experience of his all-time leading goalscorer, despite the forward struggling for both form and fitness.
Race against time for Morocco opener
The 34-year-old superstar is currently battling a calf injury to be ready for their opening fixture.
After facing the North African side, the Seleção will also play Haiti and Scotland in the group stages.
Including the former Paris St-Germain attacker represents a massive call given his recent lack of playing time.
Youth preferred to Premier League pedigree
Ancelotti spent considerable time debating whether to include Gabriel Jesus before ultimately leaving the Arsenal striker at home.
The former Manchester City frontman boasts an impressive international record, having scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 64 appearances for his country.
Other experienced goalscorers including Richarlison, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Joao Pedro also failed to make the final squad cut.
Instead, the five-time world champions will support world-class wingers Vinicius Junior and Raphinha with the youthful potential of Endrick, Igor Thiago and Rayan.
No excuses for 24-year trophy drought
The lack of a traditional focal point in attack has long been a structural issue for the national side.
Despite this glaring weakness, expectations back home remain sky-high for a football-obsessed nation that has not lifted the famous trophy since 2002.
Should the squad fail to deliver during the tournament, immense scrutiny will fall directly on the manager’s bold selection choices.