Neymar injury scare puts Brazil World Cup opener in doubt

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Neymar is a major doubt for Brazil’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a calf injury that could sideline him for up to three weeks.

Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed on Thursday that scans revealed Neymar sustained a grade two muscle injury, ruling the 34-year-old out of the team’s pre-World Cup friendlies against Panama and Egypt.

The injury also places his availability for the five-time world champions’ opening Group C clash against Morocco on June 13 in serious doubt.

“Neymar underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade two calf injury, not just swelling. He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks,” Lasmar said during a press conference at Brazil’s training base outside Rio de Janeiro.

A grade two calf strain is considered a moderate muscle injury involving a partial tear, usually requiring rehabilitation and careful recovery management before a return to action.

Neymar joined Brazil’s training camp earlier this week but did not participate in the team’s opening training session after complaining of swelling in his right calf.

The latest diagnosis reportedly differs from the initial assessment made by his club, Santos, where coach Cuca had earlier described the problem as only “a slight injury”.

The fresh setback is another concern for Neymar, who has struggled with recurring injury problems in recent years and has not played for Brazil since suffering a knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2023.

His inclusion in Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad had already sparked debate after the forward missed several recent matches for Santos due to fitness concerns.

Ancelotti had earlier left Neymar out of Brazil’s squad for March friendlies against France and Croatia, citing concerns over the player’s physical condition.

Despite those concerns, the Italian manager recalled the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star for the World Cup, choosing him ahead of players like João Pedro and Richarlison.

Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and is expected to play a key role if he recovers in time for what would be his fourth World Cup appearance.

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