Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, said Neymar is improving a lot and he could play at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Neymar recently scored in Santos’ 2-0 win against Bragantino on Sunday and has been trying to get back to full fitness. With this win, Santos were able to end their seven-game winless streak.

Multiple injuries have kept the Brazilian star out of action and he needs to prove his mettle before the quadrennial event. Neymar was recently left out of the Brazil squad for the International friendlies in March when they faced France and Croatia.

However, the star striker was recently included in Ancelotti’s preliminary squad. Ancelotti will announce the 26-man roster on May 18.

“Neymar is much loved,” Ancelotti told Reuters.

“Not just by the fans, but by the players, too. If you call on Neymar, you won’t be causing a stir in the dressing room, because he’s so well-liked, loved so much.”

Many opposition players like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have backed Neymar to play in the FIFA World Cup however, Ancelotti said he will take the final call considering all pros and cons.

“I think it’s normal for everyone to have their say,” Ancelotti said.

“I’d like to thank everyone who gave me advice. When you have to choose, you have to consider many things.

“In this respect, Neymar is an important player for this country, because of the talent he has always shown, and because he had a problem, from which he is recovering. He is working hard to recover, he is playing.

“He has improved a lot recently and is playing consistently. Obviously, for me, it’s not such a simple decision. I have to weigh up the pros and cons carefully.

“But that doesn’t put pressure on me, because, as I said, for a year now we’ve been assessing not just Neymar, but all the players.”

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals.