Mansion Sports - Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar’s absence from the latest World Cup qualifying squad is not due to injury, but rather a purely technical decision.

A Technical Choice, Not a Fitness Concern

Ahead of Brazil’s upcoming match against Chile on Thursday, Ancelotti clarified that the decision was made after carefully weighing multiple factors.

“It was a technical decision based on various considerations,” Ancelotti stated.

Neymar last represented Brazil on October 18, 2023. Despite currently enjoying one of his strongest spells in recent years, he has once again been left out. The forward himself has also emphasized that he is not carrying any injury issues at present.

Comprehensive Evaluation Based on Physical Condition

While acknowledging Neymar’s undeniable technical quality, Ancelotti stressed that physical readiness remains the main criterion in squad selection.

“No one can doubt Neymar’s technical ability. But what we assess every day, in every match, is physical fitness. That applies not just to Neymar, but to every player,” he explained.

Ancelotti further noted that he already has a clear vision of the squad he wants to take to the 2026 World Cup. 

Out of the roughly 70 players being monitored, only those who are fully fit and capable of integrating seamlessly into the collective system will be chosen.

“We will look at quality, yes, but also 100 percent fitness and the ability to play for the team, not just for oneself,” he added.

Neymar’s Form at Santos and Brazil’s Standing

Since rejoining Santos earlier this year, Neymar has made 20 appearances, scoring six goals and providing three assists. 

However, his contributions have not been sufficient to secure a place in Ancelotti’s current setup.

Brazil, meanwhile, have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup. They currently sit third in the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points and are scheduled to face Chile on Thursday before taking on Bolivia on September 9.