Carlo Ancelotti has explained why Endrick has not yet been used as Neymar’s replacement in Brazil’s team during the World Cup group stage.
Neymar is set to miss Brazil’s Group C match against Haiti, having already missed the opening 1-1 draw against Morocco.
He suffered a Grade 2 right calf muscle strain while playing for Santos on May 17, with Brazil’s medical staff targeting a return in the knockout rounds.
That has led to questions about Endrick’s role, but Ancelotti has made clear that the teenager’s involvement is being handled separately from Neymar’s absence.
Carlo Ancelotti says Brazil will wait for the right moment with Endrick
Speaking in an interview, Ancelotti was asked why Endrick is not yet playing if he is regarded as an extraordinary talent.
Ancelotti replied: “Because I will put Endrick in at the right moment. We have to wait a little. He will be important.”
The answer set out Ancelotti’s position on Endrick in clear terms. He said the decision is linked to timing. He also said Brazil have to wait, while adding that Endrick will be important.
Endrick remains part of Ancelotti’s Brazil plans
Ancelotti’s final line was that Endrick “will be important”. That statement keeps Endrick within Brazil’s plans while explaining why he has not yet been used in the role many expected during Neymar’s absence.
Brazil are managing Neymar’s recovery with a possible knockout-stage return in mind. Ancelotti’s comments show that Endrick’s role is also being managed by timing and position.
For now, Ancelotti’s explanation is that Brazil will wait before giving Endrick a bigger part, even with Neymar unavailable.
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