Brazil's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been significantly impacted by concerns regarding Neymar's fitness. The Santos forward is reportedly facing a serious calf injury that was confirmed through medical scans. At 34 years old, Neymar arrived at the national team's training camp under close medical observation after suffering a muscular issue in his right calf. This has quickly become a major topic of discussion surrounding Carlo Ancelotti's squad as the tournament approaches, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Neymar's Injury Status

Reports indicate that Neymar is likely to miss Brazil's upcoming friendlies against Panama and Egypt, and there are doubts about his availability for the opening Group J match against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Neymar did not take part in closed training sessions at Granja Comary, opting instead for further imaging tests at a private clinic in Teresópolis.

Medical Findings

Brazil's team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, provided an update on Neymar's condition, stating that the MRI scan revealed a grade two calf injury, which is more severe than the initial diagnosis of edema. "He is expected to recover in two or three weeks," Lasmar mentioned in a statement. This diagnosis contrasts with earlier information from Santos, where doctor Rodrigo Zogaib had indicated that Neymar was only experiencing edema and would be fit to train by May 27, a timeline that has since proven inaccurate. There are now concerns that Neymar's recovery could take three to four weeks, raising further doubts about his participation in the early stages of the World Cup.

As Brazil's coaching staff prepares for the tournament, they have set an internal deadline to decide on Neymar's inclusion in the final squad, heightening the urgency surrounding his recovery.