Brazil’s World Cup preparations have suffered an early setback after Neymar was ruled a major doubt for the team’s opening match following a calf injury.
The 34-year-old forward is expected to spend up to three weeks recovering after scans confirmed a grade two muscle injury, according to Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar on Thursday. The news raises concerns over whether the Santos star will be fit in time for Brazil’s tournament opener against Morocco on June 13.
Speaking at Brazil’s training base outside Rio de Janeiro, Lasmar said medical staff were cautiously monitoring Neymar’s recovery.
“An MRI identified a grade two muscle injury,” he said. “Our expectation is that he will be available in two to three weeks.”
Race Against Time
Neymar has already been ruled out of Brazil’s warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt. He joined the squad camp on Wednesday but did not take part in training.
The injury adds another frustrating chapter to a difficult period for the forward, who has battled recurring fitness problems in recent years. Santos coach Cuca had earlier described the issue as a “slight injury” after Neymar missed several club matches in Brazil.
Even before the latest setback, Neymar’s inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad had sparked debate. The Brazilian captain had not featured for the national team in nearly three years, largely due to injuries and inconsistent form.
Ancelotti Takes a Gamble
Ancelotti himself had previously left Neymar out of Brazil’s March friendlies against France and Croatia, citing concerns over his physical condition. Yet the Italian manager ultimately decided to include the veteran attacker in his 26-man squad, banking on his experience and influence in major tournaments.
Brazil’s Record Goalscorer
Despite his struggles, Neymar remains one of the most important figures in Brazilian football history. He is the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and is preparing for what would be his fourth World Cup campaign.
His last appearance for Brazil came in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, a match that also ended in injury and tears for the forward.
Now, with the World Cup only weeks away, Brazil faces an anxious wait over whether its biggest star will be ready when the tournament begins.
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