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Deadspin | Brazil coach says Neymar still has time to make World Cup squad  Neymar in Santos’ match against Cruzeiro at Estadio Urbano Caldeira, Santos, Brazil, on Dec. 7, 2025.   Brazil star Neymar still has time to recover from recent injuries and return to form well enough to play in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, according to Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti.  “He is capable of getting back to 100%,” Ancelotti told L’Equipe in response to questions about Neymar. “He is being assessed by the CBF (Brazil’s Football Confederation) and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup.”  A fixture on the Brazilian national team starting in 2013, Neymar hasn’t played for his country since 2023 when he began dealing with left knee issues. He had minor surgery on the knee on Dec. 22, and over the international break in early April, he reportedly underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment to further aid in his recovery.  “After his knee injury (in December), Neymar has made a good recovery,” Ancelotti said. “He’s scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”  The 34-year-old who has scored more goals for Brazil than anyone else (79) has openly discussed his desire to be on Brazil’s World Cup team this summer for the tournament in North America.  He is currently the captain of Santos in Serie A, Brazil’s top soccer league, where his contract expires at the end of the calendar year. He formerly was one of the world’s best attacking players during his time with Barcelona (2013-17) and Paris Saint-Germain (2017-23), playing alongside Lionel Messi with both clubs.  An ankle injury slowed Neymar before his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, leading to a stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where his brief tenure was halted by a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He returned to action in January 2025 when he made the move to Santos.   In five games for Santos this season, Neymar has three goals and two assists. He had missed the previous two games for Santos but played all 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 league win over Atletico Mineiro.  “Neymar is improving with every game,” Santos coach Cuca said after Saturday’s match, per ESPN. “He’s been staying behind to train. His movement on the ball is much better and he’s likely to get even better. It’s risky to play him for the full 90 minutes; we’ll see if he can handle it, and we’ll work towards him playing on Tuesday.”  Last season, his first year playing professionally in his home nation, he tallied eight goals and one assist in 20 games (17 starts).  “Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football,” Ancelotti said. “He is a great talent and it’s only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.”  However, Neymar has not been included on any of Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian took over the team last June.  “I’ve said this several times, and it’s very clear: I’ll call up the players who are physically ready,” Ancelotti said.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Brazil #coach #Neymar #time #World #Cup #squad

Deadspin | Brazil coach says Neymar still has time to make World Cup squad
Deadspin | Brazil coach says Neymar still has time to make World Cup squad  Neymar in Santos’ match against Cruzeiro at Estadio Urbano Caldeira, Santos, Brazil, on Dec. 7, 2025.   Brazil star Neymar still has time to recover from recent injuries and return to form well enough to play in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, according to Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti.  “He is capable of getting back to 100%,” Ancelotti told L’Equipe in response to questions about Neymar. “He is being assessed by the CBF (Brazil’s Football Confederation) and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup.”  A fixture on the Brazilian national team starting in 2013, Neymar hasn’t played for his country since 2023 when he began dealing with left knee issues. He had minor surgery on the knee on Dec. 22, and over the international break in early April, he reportedly underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment to further aid in his recovery.  “After his knee injury (in December), Neymar has made a good recovery,” Ancelotti said. “He’s scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”  The 34-year-old who has scored more goals for Brazil than anyone else (79) has openly discussed his desire to be on Brazil’s World Cup team this summer for the tournament in North America.  He is currently the captain of Santos in Serie A, Brazil’s top soccer league, where his contract expires at the end of the calendar year. He formerly was one of the world’s best attacking players during his time with Barcelona (2013-17) and Paris Saint-Germain (2017-23), playing alongside Lionel Messi with both clubs.  An ankle injury slowed Neymar before his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, leading to a stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where his brief tenure was halted by a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He returned to action in January 2025 when he made the move to Santos.   In five games for Santos this season, Neymar has three goals and two assists. He had missed the previous two games for Santos but played all 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 league win over Atletico Mineiro.  “Neymar is improving with every game,” Santos coach Cuca said after Saturday’s match, per ESPN. “He’s been staying behind to train. His movement on the ball is much better and he’s likely to get even better. It’s risky to play him for the full 90 minutes; we’ll see if he can handle it, and we’ll work towards him playing on Tuesday.”  Last season, his first year playing professionally in his home nation, he tallied eight goals and one assist in 20 games (17 starts).  “Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football,” Ancelotti said. “He is a great talent and it’s only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.”  However, Neymar has not been included on any of Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian took over the team last June.  “I’ve said this several times, and it’s very clear: I’ll call up the players who are physically ready,” Ancelotti said.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Brazil #coach #Neymar #time #World #Cup #squadNeymar in Santos’ match against Cruzeiro at Estadio Urbano Caldeira, Santos, Brazil, on Dec. 7, 2025.

Brazil star Neymar still has time to recover from recent injuries and return to form well enough to play in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, according to Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“He is capable of getting back to 100%,” Ancelotti told L’Equipe in response to questions about Neymar. “He is being assessed by the CBF (Brazil’s Football Confederation) and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup.”

A fixture on the Brazilian national team starting in 2013, Neymar hasn’t played for his country since 2023 when he began dealing with left knee issues. He had minor surgery on the knee on Dec. 22, and over the international break in early April, he reportedly underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment to further aid in his recovery.

“After his knee injury (in December), Neymar has made a good recovery,” Ancelotti said. “He’s scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”

The 34-year-old who has scored more goals for Brazil than anyone else (79) has openly discussed his desire to be on Brazil’s World Cup team this summer for the tournament in North America.

He is currently the captain of Santos in Serie A, Brazil’s top soccer league, where his contract expires at the end of the calendar year. He formerly was one of the world’s best attacking players during his time with Barcelona (2013-17) and Paris Saint-Germain (2017-23), playing alongside Lionel Messi with both clubs.


An ankle injury slowed Neymar before his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, leading to a stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where his brief tenure was halted by a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He returned to action in January 2025 when he made the move to Santos.

In five games for Santos this season, Neymar has three goals and two assists. He had missed the previous two games for Santos but played all 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 league win over Atletico Mineiro.

“Neymar is improving with every game,” Santos coach Cuca said after Saturday’s match, per ESPN. “He’s been staying behind to train. His movement on the ball is much better and he’s likely to get even better. It’s risky to play him for the full 90 minutes; we’ll see if he can handle it, and we’ll work towards him playing on Tuesday.”

Last season, his first year playing professionally in his home nation, he tallied eight goals and one assist in 20 games (17 starts).

“Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football,” Ancelotti said. “He is a great talent and it’s only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.”

However, Neymar has not been included on any of Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian took over the team last June.

“I’ve said this several times, and it’s very clear: I’ll call up the players who are physically ready,” Ancelotti said.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brazil #coach #Neymar #time #World #Cup #squad

Neymar in Santos’ match against Cruzeiro at Estadio Urbano Caldeira, Santos, Brazil, on Dec. 7, 2025.

Brazil star Neymar still has time to recover from recent injuries and return to form well enough to play in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, according to Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“He is capable of getting back to 100%,” Ancelotti told L’Equipe in response to questions about Neymar. “He is being assessed by the CBF (Brazil’s Football Confederation) and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup.”

A fixture on the Brazilian national team starting in 2013, Neymar hasn’t played for his country since 2023 when he began dealing with left knee issues. He had minor surgery on the knee on Dec. 22, and over the international break in early April, he reportedly underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment to further aid in his recovery.

“After his knee injury (in December), Neymar has made a good recovery,” Ancelotti said. “He’s scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”

The 34-year-old who has scored more goals for Brazil than anyone else (79) has openly discussed his desire to be on Brazil’s World Cup team this summer for the tournament in North America.

He is currently the captain of Santos in Serie A, Brazil’s top soccer league, where his contract expires at the end of the calendar year. He formerly was one of the world’s best attacking players during his time with Barcelona (2013-17) and Paris Saint-Germain (2017-23), playing alongside Lionel Messi with both clubs.

An ankle injury slowed Neymar before his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, leading to a stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where his brief tenure was halted by a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He returned to action in January 2025 when he made the move to Santos.

In five games for Santos this season, Neymar has three goals and two assists. He had missed the previous two games for Santos but played all 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 league win over Atletico Mineiro.

“Neymar is improving with every game,” Santos coach Cuca said after Saturday’s match, per ESPN. “He’s been staying behind to train. His movement on the ball is much better and he’s likely to get even better. It’s risky to play him for the full 90 minutes; we’ll see if he can handle it, and we’ll work towards him playing on Tuesday.”

Last season, his first year playing professionally in his home nation, he tallied eight goals and one assist in 20 games (17 starts).

“Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football,” Ancelotti said. “He is a great talent and it’s only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.”

However, Neymar has not been included on any of Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian took over the team last June.

“I’ve said this several times, and it’s very clear: I’ll call up the players who are physically ready,” Ancelotti said.

–Field Level Media

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Barcola returns to PSG squad ahead of clash with Liverpool <div id="content-body-70858936" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Paris Saint-Germain ​forward Bradley Barcola has been ‌named in the squad for the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 ⁠quarterfinal second leg at Liverpool, the Ligue 1 club said on ‌Monday.</p><p>The France international had been sidelined for a ‌month after suffering a ‌severe ⁠ankle ligament sprain during ⁠the Champions League last-16 second leg at Chelsea.</p><p>Barcola missed PSG’s last three ​matches across ‌all competitions, as well as France’s friendlies in the U.S. against Brazil and Colombia.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/champions-league/lamine-yamal-says-comeback-possible-barcelona-atletico-madrid-ucl-2025-26-quarterfinal-reaction/article70858902.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lamine Yamal says comeback is not impossible as Barcelona chases history against Atletico Madrid</a></b></p><p>“We’ll ‌have to see how the ​training goes, but whenever a player returns, ⁠it’s very good news. It’s important for us to get our players back,” PSG coach Luis Enrique told a ‌press conference on Monday.</p><p>Midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who has been sidelined since January with a ‌knee injury remains unavailable.</p><p>“The good news ​is that Fabian (Ruiz) is on the mend and ⁠training with the team,” Luis Enrique ⁠said. PSG, the European Cup holder, takes a 2-0 ‌lead over Liverpool into Tuesday’s game.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #UEFA #Champions #League #Barcola #returns #PSG #squad #ahead #clash #Liverpool

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Why Szoboszlai apologised to Liverpool fans before Champions League clash with PSG <div id="content-body-70858954" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Widely considered Liverpool’s player of the season, Dominik Szoboszlai found himself apologising to the club supporters on Monday for what he described as a “misunderstanding.”</p><p>The midfielder has been in outstanding form in a difficult season for Liverpool — scoring 12 goals including stunning strikes against Arsenal and Manchester City.</p><p>But his reaction after the 4-0 FA Cup loss to City this month — shrugging, raising his arms and clapping towards away fans — was interpreted by some as sarcasm when video footage was shared on social media.</p><p>He was ushered away by teammate Federico Chiesa as boos rang around the away end at Etihad Stadium.</p><p>Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Szoboszlai tried to put the record straight.</p><p>“Maybe it was a misunderstanding between me and the fans,” he said. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I know what the fans mean to this club and what the club means to the fans.</p><p>“We do everything for the fans as they do for us. If it was a misunderstanding then I apologise. I’m not feeling better than them, I feel exactly the same as they do. I am with them, we are with them and hopefully they are with us as well.”</p><p>Liverpool trails 2-0 after the first leg in Paris and is hoping for a famous turnaround against the defending European champion.</p><p>In the 2019 semifinals, the Merseyside club routed Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield after losing the first leg 3-0.</p><p>It will take something similarly heroic against PSG, which totally dominated the first leg in Paris last week.</p><p>“There is a belief that we can do special things tomorrow but we need to be very, very, very special tomorrow to achieve that because we are playing against the champions of Europe,” manager Arne Slot said. “We know we need an exceptional performance to go through to the next round.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #Szoboszlai #apologised #Liverpool #fans #Champions #League #clash #PSG

GT vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans keen to continue winning streak; Mumbai Indians sweats over Rohit Sharma fitness  Bowling Woes: A record-high economy rate of 11.34, with Jasprit Bumrah surprisingly wicketless.Batting Inconsistency: No batter ranks in the top 30 run-getters; Rohit Sharma’s injury and Tilak Varma’s poor form have further weakened the lineup.Captain Hardik Pandya emphasised the need for “difficult calls” as the five-time champions face a daunting climb toward the playoffs.  #Live #Score #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #keen #continue #winning #streak #Mumbai #Indians #sweats #Rohit #Sharma #fitness
Deadspin | Top-seeded Pistons shocked in Game 1 as Magic never trail  Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) dunks in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   Paolo Banchero had 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic upset the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, 112-101, in Game 1 of their first-round Eastern Conference series on Sunday.  The visiting Magic never trailed as every starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.  The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.  Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star Jalen Duren only attempted four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. The Magic shot 48.9% from the field while limiting the Pistons to 40.3% shooting.  Orlando reached the first round by defeating Charlotte in the play-in tournament on Friday and came out on fire.  The Magic built an 18-5 lead less than five minutes into the game. Detroit closed the gap to two late in the quarter, but Orlando responded with a 6-0 spurt. The Magic held the lead throughout the second quarter and clung to a 55-51 advantage at halftime.   Orlando opened the second half with an 8-1 run. Detroit responded with a 13-2 run, capped by a Cunningham 3-pointer, to make it 65-65 at the 7:04 mark.  The Magic never allowed the Pistons to pull even again. Orlando answered with a 14-3 run sparked by reserve guard Anthony Black, who had five points and two assists during that stretch. Detroit was down by seven, 81-74, entering the fourth.  The Magic made their first seven field goal attempts in the quarter but still couldn’t quite pull away. The lead was still seven with 3:45 remaining.  Wagner then made a layup and a free throw to make it 106-96. Suggs scored on an alley-oop with 2:13 remaining and the Pistons never got closer than seven the rest of the way.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Topseeded #Pistons #shocked #Game #Magic #trailApr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) dunks in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero had 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic upset the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, 112-101, in Game 1 of their first-round Eastern Conference series on Sunday.

The visiting Magic never trailed as every starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.

The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.

Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star Jalen Duren only attempted four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. The Magic shot 48.9% from the field while limiting the Pistons to 40.3% shooting.

Orlando reached the first round by defeating Charlotte in the play-in tournament on Friday and came out on fire.


The Magic built an 18-5 lead less than five minutes into the game. Detroit closed the gap to two late in the quarter, but Orlando responded with a 6-0 spurt. The Magic held the lead throughout the second quarter and clung to a 55-51 advantage at halftime.

Orlando opened the second half with an 8-1 run. Detroit responded with a 13-2 run, capped by a Cunningham 3-pointer, to make it 65-65 at the 7:04 mark.

The Magic never allowed the Pistons to pull even again. Orlando answered with a 14-3 run sparked by reserve guard Anthony Black, who had five points and two assists during that stretch. Detroit was down by seven, 81-74, entering the fourth.

The Magic made their first seven field goal attempts in the quarter but still couldn’t quite pull away. The lead was still seven with 3:45 remaining.

Wagner then made a layup and a free throw to make it 106-96. Suggs scored on an alley-oop with 2:13 remaining and the Pistons never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Topseeded #Pistons #shocked #Game #Magic #trail">Deadspin | Top-seeded Pistons shocked in Game 1 as Magic never trail  Apr 19, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) dunks in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   Paolo Banchero had 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic upset the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, 112-101, in Game 1 of their first-round Eastern Conference series on Sunday.  The visiting Magic never trailed as every starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied 19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had 16 points, four assists and three steals.  The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.  Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star Jalen Duren only attempted four shots in 33 minutes while being held to eight points and seven rebounds. The Magic shot 48.9% from the field while limiting the Pistons to 40.3% shooting.  Orlando reached the first round by defeating Charlotte in the play-in tournament on Friday and came out on fire.  The Magic built an 18-5 lead less than five minutes into the game. Detroit closed the gap to two late in the quarter, but Orlando responded with a 6-0 spurt. The Magic held the lead throughout the second quarter and clung to a 55-51 advantage at halftime.   Orlando opened the second half with an 8-1 run. Detroit responded with a 13-2 run, capped by a Cunningham 3-pointer, to make it 65-65 at the 7:04 mark.  The Magic never allowed the Pistons to pull even again. Orlando answered with a 14-3 run sparked by reserve guard Anthony Black, who had five points and two assists during that stretch. Detroit was down by seven, 81-74, entering the fourth.  The Magic made their first seven field goal attempts in the quarter but still couldn’t quite pull away. The lead was still seven with 3:45 remaining.  Wagner then made a layup and a free throw to make it 106-96. Suggs scored on an alley-oop with 2:13 remaining and the Pistons never got closer than seven the rest of the way.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Topseeded #Pistons #shocked #Game #Magic #trail

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