The 34-year-old Neymar had been sidelined since suffering a right calf injury while playing for Santos on May 17. The injury ruled him out of Brazil's opening two World Cup matches. However, Ancelotti revealed that the forward is now close to full fitness and is expected to return for the crucial encounter.
"Neymar will train alone tomorrow and with the team on Monday. He will be available for the match against Scotland," Ancelotti said.
Since joining the World Cup squad, Neymar has not taken part in a full training session with Brazil. Instead, he has been following an individual rehabilitation program after undergoing medical assessments earlier this week. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star had been named among the substitutes for Brazil's opening match against Morocco but did not make an appearance.
Neymar's return comes at a critical moment for Brazil, especially after winger Raphinha was forced off during the first half of the victory over Haiti due to a suspected hamstring injury. The Barcelona forward is scheduled to undergo further medical examinations, and Ancelotti admitted that the extent of the injury remains uncertain.
"We need to assess him. We still do not know how serious the injury is," Ancelotti said.
With Raphinha's fitness now in doubt, Neymar's comeback has become even more important for Brazil, which clearly missed the presence of its most experienced attacking player. The veteran forward is expected to play a key role for the team if Brazil advances to the knockout rounds, making his return one of the most significant developments in the country's World Cup campaign.
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