Neymar has contradicted Carlo Ancelotti’s explanation for his Brazil absence, claiming that snub has “nothing to do with my physical condition”.

• Santos superstar overlooked for qualifiers
• Eager to grace World Cup finals next summer
• Adamant that he is nursing on injury issues

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 33-year-old superstar was one of several household names to be left out of the latest Selecao squad. Neymar is back in his homeland at Santos and eager to grace the World Cup finals next summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He will not be gracing the final rounds of qualifiers ahead of that event, with Brazil already assured of their tickets to FIFA’s flagship event, with the decision taken to leave him out of meetings with Chile and Bolivia.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ancelotti claimed that Neymar was overlooked due to another knock, with the Italian coach saying: “Neymar isn't in this second squad because he had a minor problem last week, but he doesn't need to prove anything. Everyone knows Neymar, the national team, and all the Brazilian fans. Neymar, like everyone else, needs to be in good physical shape to help the team perform well and try to give their best at the World Cup.”

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  WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  Neymar insists he is fully fit, telling reporters after lining up against fellow Brazil legend Thiago Silva in Santos’ goalless draw with Fluminense: “I had swelling in my adductor muscle. It was annoying, but nothing serious, I even played today. Against Bahia, I wasn't going to play (suspension) so they preferred to keep me out of training so I could recover.

  “I think I was left out (by Brazil) for technical reasons, I think it has nothing to do with my physical condition.”

Tags: Futebol
Category: News