Ancelotti confirms big Neymar update for Scotland clash and more Brazil changes

Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar ‘will be available’ against Scotland and confirms more Brazil changes for their final World Cup group stage game.

Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 on Friday night and are now preparing for their final group stage game against Scotland on Wednesday, June 24, with kick-off at 11 pm BST.

Italian tactician Ancelotti discussed his potential moves for the next Brazil match during a press conference last night: “I don’t want to give a definitive identity; I might change something in the next match,” he said via Gazzetta.

“We want to beat Scotland to finish top of the group; that would be important. We will prepare for it, but it won’t be easy. Scotland have very defined characteristics; they caused Morocco problems and can do the same to us. But we must remain calm, composed, and focused on our game. The psychologist is working with us and is helping us.”

Neymar has missed the opening two games due to injury, but will make his return in the next game: “He’s fine; he’ll train alone for a day and then return to the squad. He’ll be available for Scotland,” confirmed Ancelotti.

Barcelona winger Raphinha, on the other hand, was forced to come off with an injury: “We are waiting for the tests to understand what he has,” Ancelotti said.

Lastly, the Italian tactician gave his verdict on the controversial hydration breaks at the World Cup, already criticised by many, including Inter defender Manuel Akanji: “I like them; with the intense heat, players can recover, and we coaches can adjust things,” Ancelotti concluded.