Brazil forward Neymar has countered critics questioning his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old forward was omitted from Santos' squad for Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Mirassol, a game attended by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti. Santos coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda clarified Neymar has no injury, stating the decision was workload management. 'He feels no pain,' Vojvoda emphasized. 'He's a player who has been inactive in previous years, so we have to take care of the load.' Vojvoda added Neymar will be ready for Sunday's match against Corinthians.

Neymar himself took to social media to address the speculation. 'Nothing is happening,' he wrote. 'If I play injured... I am wrong. If I only think about myself...

I am wrong. If I take it easy... I am wrong.

If I play with pain... I am wrong. It's complicated, huh?' The forward returned to play for Santos last month after minor left knee surgery on December 22.

Injuries have sidelined Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, since October 2023. Brazil coach Ancelotti will name the World Cup squad on Monday for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia.