Neymar may not be able to play in group stage - but he can always play at poker table

Will he or won't he? Is he going? What are Carlo Ancelotti's plans for Neymar? Is he taking the place of another Brazilian who deserved a World Cup spot? What can he still offer Brazil? Those were just some of the questions surrounding the former superstar, who ultimately made Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

However, there is now a serious possibility that he may not play a single minute during the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As things stand, he certainly won't feature in the group stage. Neymar is injured and not physically fit enough to play football at the moment, which has left many fans in Brazil frustrated.

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The obvious question is why Ancelotti decided to take him in the first place. Perhaps he was included as a motivational figure or for reasons unrelated to what happens on the pitch, because he will not be stepping onto the grass in competitive action until at least the knockout rounds.

Even that remains uncertain. According to Spanish outlet "Sport", which has a journalist in Brazil with close ties to the national team, Neymar will definitely miss the entire group stage. The Brazilian Football Confederation has provided almost no information regarding his injury. In recent weeks, only brief statements have been released, with no specific details, while Ancelotti has repeatedly avoided giving direct answers during press conferences.

Neymar underwent another ultrasound examination in New Jersey on Monday and finally returned to the training pitch on Tuesday, taking part in portions of the session alongside his teammates. According to insider information from within the Brazil camp, also reported by "Sport", he has received medical clearance to return to action. However, he still needs time to regain an acceptable level of fitness.

If no further setbacks occur, his first appearance could come in the Round of 32, meaning the group stage is already ruled out. In the end, it may look as though Neymar was selected largely because of his past achievements and perhaps due to pressure ahead of the squad announcement, something that has angered many supporters in Brazil. He cannot play, and many no longer view him as a leader.

Still, Neymar appears to be leading in another area. Photos have emerged from Brazil's camp showing him playing poker alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel. Under normal circumstances, there would be nothing unusual about that, but considering Neymar's well-known passion for card games, it is hard not to wonder whose idea the session was in the first place.

Given the recent reports about his poor physical condition, images of Brazil's biggest star spending time at the poker table are unlikely to go down well with the notoriously demanding Brazilian public.

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