Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has jokingly labelled Neymar a "home office player" amid the forward's injury absence at the FIFA World Cup, but Brazil fans have finally received encouraging news after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Santos star is closing in on his long-awaited return.
The light-hearted remark came as Neymar continues his recovery from a calf injury that has kept him out of Brazil's opening World Cup fixtures, with the Selecao hopeful their all-time leading scorer will be available for the knockout stages.
Lula pokes fun at Neymar's injury absence
Speaking during an event in Belo Horizonte, Lula shared a joke that has been circulating on social media after a young supporter told him Neymar remains Brazil's best player.
The president responded by teasing the veteran forward's prolonged spell on the sidelines. "I saw something yesterday, that Neymar is the first home office call-up in the world. Home office player," Lula joked. "I think any day now we're going to have to make a national team with artificial intelligence: 11 Peles."
The comments quickly generated laughter among the audience and added another chapter to Brazil's long tradition of football and politics intersecting.
Neymar stepping up recovery ahead of Scotland clash
While Lula's comments were made in jest, Neymar's rehabilitation has entered a crucial phase. The 34-year-old suffered a grade two calf strain that ruled him out of Brazil's first two World Cup matches. Since then, he has been working individually in New Jersey, gradually increasing his workload away from the main squad.
Brazil's medical staff have been carefully managing his recovery, hoping the experienced playmaker can return in time to strengthen the squad as they pursue a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
Ancelotti delivers the update fans wanted
Following Brazil's comfortable 3-0 victory over Haiti, head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed that Neymar's return is now firmly in sight. The Italian confirmed the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star will soon resume full training with his teammates before becoming available for selection.
"Neymar will be training tomorrow individually, and on Monday with the rest of the team. He will be available for the match against Scotland," Ancelotti said. The update provides a major boost for Brazil, with Neymar expected to add creativity, leadership and experience as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
Lula and Brazil's stars: a familiar storyline
This is far from the first time Lula has made headlines with comments about one of Brazil's biggest football icons. Ahead of the 2006 World Cup, the president publicly questioned whether Ronaldo Nazario was carrying excess weight despite reports that the legendary striker had slimmed down.
Speaking to then-head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, Lula asked: "Every now and then, I meet Ronaldo and I know he's thin. But every now and then we read in the Brazilian press that Ronaldo is fat. After all, is he fat or not fat?"
Ronaldo responded with one of Brazilian football's most memorable comebacks. "Everyone says that he drinks a lot," Ronaldo replied. "Just as it is a lie that I am fat, it must be a lie that he drinks a lot."
What's next for Neymar and Brazil?
Brazil will now turn their attention to their upcoming World Cup clash against Scotland, where Neymar is expected to make his long-awaited return to the squad. If declared fully fit, the Selecao's record goalscorer could provide the spark Brazil need as they chase another World Cup crown and silence the growing doubts surrounding his fitness.
