Neymar prepared 90 minutes for Santos in the 1-1 draw against Corinthians on Sunday, a timely tune-up before Carlo Ancelotti announces Brazil’s squad for home friendlies against France on March 26 and Croatia on April 1.
L’Équipe points out that the striker is on Brazil’s provisional list and has not played for the Seleção since October 18, 2023, in the 2-0 defeat against Uruguay. He was booked in Santos’ previous match against Mirassol.
He played the entire match and assisted Gabriel Barbosa involuntarily, while Memphis Depay scored for Corinthians.
He showed that he could last the 90 minutes, but he failed in the three dribbles he attempted and recorded two shots, none on goal.
Assistant Gastón Liendo, who replaced the suspended head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, showed that it was neither Neymar’s best nor a bad game. He said the forward was participatory and mobile, but that a compact defensive block limited support and crosses.
Ancelotti will confirm the final list on Monday. If included, Neymar could face France on March 26 and Croatia on April 1, both at home and just over two months before the 2026 World Cup.
