Neymar targets Scotland return as Raphinha misses out

Neymar could return against Scotland on Wednesday

Gabriel Martinelli says Neymar is ready. "He's performing at a very high level, and you could see the intensity in Monday's training session," Martinelli said (1). Brazil face Scotland in the final Group C match on Wednesday, and Neymar is targeting a return from injury (1). Raphinha is out, which means Ancelotti has a spot to fill in attack (1) (3). Martinelli deferred the decision to the coach: the starting XI is Ancelotti's call (3).

Raphinha ruled out for Scotland

Raphinha will miss the Scotland match through injury (1) (3). His absence opens up the attack, and Brazil have decisions to make. Martinelli is one obvious option to step in, but he would not be drawn on specifics, just that Ancelotti will decide (3).

Ancelotti pulls Vinícius Júnior aside in training

Cameras caught Carlo Ancelotti in an extended conversation with Vinícius Júnior during Monday's session (2). Marca described it as Ancelotti cosseting the winger ahead of Wednesday. No details on what was said, but the timing, with Raphinha out and Neymar possibly returning, makes you wonder about the tactical plan.

Martinelli: Premier League hits harder than the World Cup

Martinelli had a surprising take on Monday. "I think the Premier League is still more intense than this World Cup, especially because of the heat and the pitches we've been playing on," he said. "But it's still a very beautiful Cup, with quality matches and high intensity" (4). Honest, and hard to argue, the conditions have been draining.