Neymar’s absence would remove more than dribbling ability and set-piece quality. His presence changes how opponents defend, often drawing extra attention and creating room for teammates to attack.
The report attributes a broader explanation to Ancelotti, who said: “Quando convocamos Neymar, não o chamamos apenas por sua qualidade técnica, que é indiscutível, mas também por sua experiência e pelo exemplo que pode dar aos jogadores mais jovens deste grupo.”
That influence cannot be replaced by a simple positional swap. Brazil will need collective movement, quicker combinations and greater responsibility from its other senior attackers.
The reported expectation is that Neymar could begin working fully with the squad next week, but that timeline leaves his involvement against Haiti unresolved. Brazil’s final group match, against Scotland, would therefore become an important reference point in assessing his recovery.
Without him, Ancelotti may favour a more balanced attacking structure rather than asking one player to imitate Neymar’s role. Width, pressing and midfield runs will be crucial if Brazil are to avoid becoming predictable.
Brazil reportedly selected Neymar not only for immediate output but also for his experience. That makes the decision to include him understandable, yet it also places greater pressure on the squad to cope while he rebuilds his fitness.
The next storyline will be whether Neymar can rejoin training as hoped - and whether Brazil can navigate its opening matches strongly enough to bring him back without rushing the process.