Lucas Paqueta has expressed his immense joy and relief as Neymar rejoins the Brazil squad in training ahead of their pivotal 2026 World Cup group stage encounter against Scotland. Neymar, who has been sidelined with a calf injury, has unfortunately missed Brazil's initial two matches in the tournament. However, his mere presence on the training pitch has been a significant morale booster for the entire team.
Paqueta was particularly vocal about Neymar's enduring importance to the Selecao. He stressed that despite the challenges, the veteran forward still possesses the capability to make a substantial impact on Brazil's World Cup campaign. "He can still help us a lot," Paqueta confidently stated, underscoring Neymar's legendary status and his unparalleled history with the national team.
The return of Neymar, a talismanic figure for Brazil, is undoubtedly a major positive development. However, the team is also grappling with the setback of Raphinha's hamstring injury. The uncertainty surrounding Raphinha's return casts a shadow, but Paqueta was quick to reassure that the entire squad stands firmly behind their teammate during his recovery process.
Despite Brazil's currently strong standing in the group, Paqueta cautioned against any complacency. He emphasized the critical need to show utmost respect towards the Scottish team, acknowledging their inherent potential to spring an upset. Paqueta reiterated that Brazil's primary focus remains on executing their own game plan effectively, aiming to secure a decisive victory and confidently advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
