By Adegboyega Adeleye
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says he hopes Neymar will be available for more minutes when the five-time champions face Japan in Monday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, insisting his side will approach the knockout tie “like it is a final”.
Neymar is continuing his recovery from a calf injury and made his return with a little over 15 minutes in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in their final group game.
Speaking ahead of the last-16 encounter in Houston on Monday, Ancelotti said the forward had made encouraging progress.
“In the last week his progress has been significant,” Ancelotti told reporters. “Unfortunately he could not play longer than 15 minutes before, but he is now doing well enough to play more.”
