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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

#Jalen #Brunson #injury #Knicks #star #returns #NBA #Finals #hurting #knee">Jalen Brunson injury: Knicks star returns to NBA Finals after hurting knee  Jalen Brunson limped off the floor in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs after an opposing player fell on his knee. Brunson headed to the locker room in what amounts to the worst case scenario for the Knicks.Update: Brunson returned to the game with under eight minutes left in the second quarter. He quickly hurt his ankle after returning. He stayed in the game even after the ankle injury and scored on the next Knicks’ possession.Brunson was injured when teammate Landry Shamet pushed over Spurs forward Harrison Barnes on a made three-pointer by Julian Champagnie. Barnes fell on Brunson’s right knee, and the star guard immediately signaled that he needed to come out of the game. San Antonio ended the first quarter on a 20-5 run.Watch the play where Brunson was injured here:Here’s Brunson walking to the locker room:Brunson has been the Knicks’ biggest star during this NBA Finals run. New York absolutely needs him to be at his best to win this series, and this is a terrible start. Here’s hoping Brunson can return.Brunson is back now, and we’ll continue to update you on his status as the game goes on.We’ll update this story as it develops.  #Jalen #Brunson #injury #Knicks #star #returns #NBA #Finals #hurting #knee

The Democratic Republic of Congo warmed up for ​their first World Cup appearance in more ‌than half a century with a ​0-0 draw against Denmark on ⁠Wednesday.

The clash in Belgium, where the Congolese have been preparing for the World Cup, could ‌be their only preparatory match after a planned friendly against Chile ‌in Spain on Monday was ‌cancelled ⁠by local authorities.

The mayor of La ⁠Linea de la Concepcion took the decision even though the Congolese team have been preparing ​for the tournament in ‌Belgium and almost all of their players and staff are based in Europe.

Denmark, which narrowly missed out on ‌World Cup qualification after a penalty ​shootout loss to the Czech Republic in the European playoffs in ⁠March, twice hit the woodwork with Joakim Maehle striking the post with a ‌curling shot in the 33rd minute and captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg catching the corner of the crossbar with a long-range effort early in the second half.

Congolese striker Cedric Bakambu had a chance ‌on the break in the 24th minute but ​he hit his effort straight at Denmark goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who ⁠made another sharp save to deny Joris ⁠Kayembe with the last shot of the match.

At the World Cup, ‌DR Congo opens its Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17.

DR Congo vs Denmark player ratings:

DR Congo: Dimitry Bertaud (7.5/10), Gédéon Kalulu (6.9/10), Chancel Mbemba (7.4/10), Henoc Inonga (7.1/10), Arthur Masuaku (7.0/10), Charles Pickel (6.7/10), Samuel Moutoussamy (6.8/10), Théo Bongonda (6.5/10), Gaël Kakuta (6.6/10), Yoane Wissa (6.9/10), Cédric Bakambu (6.3/10)

Subs: Joris Kayembe (6.4/10), Meschak Elia (6.1/10), Fiston Mayele (5.9/10), Noah Sadiki (6.0/10)

Denmark: Filip Jörgensen (7.4/10), Alexander Bah (7.1/10), Joachim Andersen (7.3/10), Jannik Vestergaard (7.2/10), Joakim Mæhle (7.6/10), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (7.8/10), Morten Hjulmand (6.9/10), Christian Eriksen (7.0/10), Adam Daghim (6.5/10), Rasmus Højlund (6.2/10), Jonas Wind (6.6/10)

Subs: Gustav Isaksen (6.2/10), Morten Frendrup (6.0/10), Victor Kristiansen (6.1/10), Yussuf Poulsen (5.9/10)

(With inputs from Agencies)

Published on Jun 04, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #warmups #Congo #Denmark #player #ratings #report #Leopards #held #draw">FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-ups: DR Congo vs Denmark player ratings, report, Leopards held to a draw  The Democratic Republic of Congo warmed up for ​their first World Cup appearance in more ‌than half a century with a ​0-0 draw against Denmark on ⁠Wednesday.The clash in Belgium, where the Congolese have been preparing for the World Cup, could ‌be their only preparatory match after a planned friendly against Chile ‌in Spain on Monday was ‌cancelled ⁠by local authorities.The mayor of La ⁠Linea de la Concepcion took the decision even though the Congolese team have been preparing ​for the tournament in ‌Belgium and almost all of their players and staff are based in Europe.Denmark, which narrowly missed out on ‌World Cup qualification after a penalty ​shootout loss to the Czech Republic in the European playoffs in ⁠March, twice hit the woodwork with Joakim Maehle striking the post with a ‌curling shot in the 33rd minute and captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg catching the corner of the crossbar with a long-range effort early in the second half.Congolese striker Cedric Bakambu had a chance ‌on the break in the 24th minute but ​he hit his effort straight at Denmark goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who ⁠made another sharp save to deny Joris ⁠Kayembe with the last shot of the match.At the World Cup, ‌DR Congo opens its Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17.DR Congo vs Denmark player ratings:DR Congo: Dimitry Bertaud (7.5/10), Gédéon Kalulu (6.9/10), Chancel Mbemba (7.4/10), Henoc Inonga (7.1/10), Arthur Masuaku (7.0/10), Charles Pickel (6.7/10), Samuel Moutoussamy (6.8/10), Théo Bongonda (6.5/10), Gaël Kakuta (6.6/10), Yoane Wissa (6.9/10), Cédric Bakambu (6.3/10)Subs: Joris Kayembe (6.4/10), Meschak Elia (6.1/10), Fiston Mayele (5.9/10), Noah Sadiki (6.0/10)Denmark: Filip Jörgensen (7.4/10), Alexander Bah (7.1/10), Joachim Andersen (7.3/10), Jannik Vestergaard (7.2/10), Joakim Mæhle (7.6/10), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (7.8/10), Morten Hjulmand (6.9/10), Christian Eriksen (7.0/10), Adam Daghim (6.5/10), Rasmus Højlund (6.2/10), Jonas Wind (6.6/10)Subs: Gustav Isaksen (6.2/10), Morten Frendrup (6.0/10), Victor Kristiansen (6.1/10), Yussuf Poulsen (5.9/10)(With inputs from Agencies)Published on Jun 04, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #warmups #Congo #Denmark #player #ratings #report #Leopards #held #draw

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