Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted Neymar was fully fit despite leaving the forward on the bench during his side’s World Cup clash with Japan.
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti said the decision was purely tactical rather than fitness-related. He revealed Neymar had been prepared to enter the game if Brazil had failed to find an equaliser.
“I was waiting for extra time,” Ancelotti explained. “If we didn’t score the equaliser, he was coming on around the 60th or 65th minute.”
However, once Brazil regained control of the contest, the Italian opted against changing the team’s structure.
“I just didn’t want to change the structure because we had control of the match,” he added.
The decision will reassure Brazil supporters, with Ancelotti making it clear that Neymar remains in good condition and available for the team’s upcoming fixtures.
