Neymar’s place in Brazil’s World Cup squad remains uncertain despite his status as the country’s biggest football star.
The Santos forward has not been included in recent call-ups, leaving his chances of making the final squad looking increasingly slim.
However, with Carlo Ancelotti still leaving the door open, Neymar is pushing to prove he can meet the demands required to return.
Neymar hits key physical target as Brazil staff continue evaluation
According to UOL, Ancelotti and his staff have been closely monitoring Neymar’s physical performance as part of their evaluation process.
One of the key metrics analysed involves his ability to exceed 18.6 mph while carrying the ball, a benchmark he successfully reached against Atletico Mineiro on Saturday.
During that match, Neymar hit a top speed of 20.2 mph, meeting one of the targets set by the Brazil coaching staff.
Despite that progress, there are still concerns about whether he can sustain a high level across multiple games in a short period.
UOL reports that the staff want to assess his consistency, particularly his ability to perform without extended recovery time between matches.
Santos now face a demanding schedule with four games in 11 days, including three at home, offering Neymar a clear opportunity to strengthen his case.
If he delivers strong performances across that run, his chances of securing a World Cup call-up are expected to improve significantly.
