Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned Neymar that his place in next summer’s World Cup squad is not guaranteed.

The Italian gaffer made it clear that fitness, not reputation will decide his involvement.

Since taking charge of the Selecao earlier this year, the Italian has left Neymar out of squads for both the June and September international breaks.

While the coach cited fitness concerns, the 33-year-old forward claimed his omission was down to “technical reasons.”

Fitness the deciding factor

Ancelotti moved to set the record straight in an interview with ESPN. “We are not going to observe how Neymar plays, obviously. Everyone knows his talent.

“In modern football, to take advantage of his talent, the player has to be in good physical condition. If he is in his best physical condition, he will have no problems being in the national team,” he explained.

The coach added that he had spoken with Neymar directly: “I said, ‘you have time to prepare in the best way to be there and help the team try to do their best in the World Cup.’”

Neymar’s role if selected

Ancelotti also revealed how he intends to use the Santos star should he make the final squad.

He explained that Neymar’s game is better suited to central positions rather than the wings.

“I would select him as an attacking midfielder or striker. He has to play centrally, he can’t play on the outside because modern football needs forwards who have physical quality.

“He can play as an attacking midfielder without problems,” the coach added.

What’s next for Neymar?

For now, Neymar turns his attention to club football. He is expected to feature for Santos on Sunday when they face Atletico Mineiro in the Brazilian Serie A.