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The Digest:

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his World Cup squad is "close" to being decided, dealing a potential final blow to Neymar's hopes of a last World Cup appearance as the injury-plagued star was again omitted from the national team.

Key Points:
  • Coach Carlo Ancelotti stated 17-18 players are likely set for the final squad.
  • Neymar was left out of the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia.
  • The Santos star has struggled with fitness, missing 40 games in the past year.
  • Ancelotti emphasized he cannot take a player not "physically ready for the entire tournament."
  • Neymar's last Brazil appearance was in October 2023 due to an ACL injury.
  • His contract at Santos is under review, with his future uncertain.
  • A potential move to Inter Miami for a reunion with Messi has been speculated.
This selection dilemma reveals the brutal storm of elite sport, where past glory offers no shelter from the present demands of fitness and form on the path to glory.

Sources: Goal.com