"I'm very happy with him." Carlo Ancelotti Confirms Neymar Available As Brazil Prepare For Crucial Scotland Test

Brazil head into their decisive Group C encounter against Scotland with a major boost after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is available for selection once again, although the veteran forward's involvement remains uncertain.

The 34-year-old has yet to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after arriving at the tournament carrying a calf injury that ruled him out of Brazil's opening matches against Morocco and Haiti.

However, after completing a full week of training, Neymar has returned to contention ahead of Wednesday's clash at Hard Rock Stadium.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star's recovery while refusing to reveal whether he would be included in his starting lineup.

"Neymar is available," the Brazil manager said as quoted by Reuters.

"He worked this week and can be available for the match. We are very happy that he is back because, obviously, with his quality, he can help the team.

"I've really got to know him well. He has worked very seriously, trying to recover as quickly as possible.

"I'm very happy with him. Even if he doesn't play, he brings experience, he brings knowledge of the game, he helps the younger players. He is doing very well."

When asked how much football Neymar could realistically play if selected, Ancelotti initially joked before offering reassurance about the forward's physical condition.

"He can play 90 minutes -- walking," the Italian smiled.

"No, he's fine, he worked very well, he trained very well."

Brazil arrive in Miami top of Group C after collecting four points from their opening two matches.

A frustrating 1-1 draw against Morocco raised early questions about the Selecao's rhythm and attacking cohesion, but those concerns were eased by a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti, where Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha spearheaded an impressive attacking display.

Ancelotti believes his side are improving with every match and expects them to make further progress against Scotland.

"Obviously we have a very big commitment, representing this shirt in the World Cup," he said.

"I think the first match wasn't the best, the second match was better, and we are confident that the third match will be the best."

A victory would guarantee Brazil's place in the Round of 32 and could secure top spot in the group, depending on Morocco's result against Haiti.

While Neymar's potential return has dominated headlines, Vinicius Junior has emerged as Brazil's most influential performer during the group stage.

The Real Madrid forward has scored twice in two matches and was instrumental in both of Brazil's positive results, including a crucial equaliser against Morocco and an outstanding display against Haiti.

Ancelotti praised the winger's contribution and stressed the importance of building the team's attacking structure around his strengths.

"He's playing very well," the coach said as quoted by BBC Sport.

"We need to use him even though we have other fantastic players. We have experience, quality and legs. I'm completely satisfied with all of them.

"I have to put all the players to adapt to the style of the team."

Brazil will, however, be without Raphinha after the Barcelona winger suffered a hamstring injury during the victory over Haiti.

The setback leaves Ancelotti with a vacancy on the right side of his attack, though the former Real Madrid manager declined to reveal who would replace him against Scotland.

Young Bournemouth forward Rayan remains one of the leading candidates, while Neymar's availability could offer Ancelotti additional tactical flexibility if he opts to alter his attacking setup.

Despite Brazil's status as overwhelming favourites, Ancelotti was quick to dismiss any suggestion that Scotland will provide an easy route into the knockout rounds.

The Scotland squad remain in contention for qualification and know that a positive result could secure a historic place in the last 32.

"Scotland has quality," Ancelotti said.

"They are fighters, they are very well organised.

"McTominay and McGinn are experienced players who are used to this kind of game.

"So it will be a difficult game, as usual. I think easy games in the World Cup finished a long time ago. So we are ready to play a difficult match."

Brazil's preparations suffered a minor disruption when their flight from New Jersey to Miami was delayed, forcing Ancelotti's media duties later into the evening. Yet the Italian remained relaxed as his first World Cup campaign as a national team coach gained momentum.

"Before today everything was perfect. Today we had a small problem, but that can happen," he said.

"I think we have the quality and the confidence for this to be a good World Cup for us. In football, anything can happen, but in any case, it will be a very beautiful experience."