Neymar's Injury Surfaces Just Days Before World Cup
In what many considered a risky move, Brazil included the injury-prone Neymar in their squad for the World Cup, and just ten days later, that decision has been validated by unfortunate news. Neymar, the 34-year-old forward, has sustained a calf injury that is likely to sideline him for Brazil's opening match against Morocco, as confirmed by team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar. According to Lasmar, the expectation is that Neymar will be out for approximately two to three weeks, raising concerns about his availability for the tournament.
Brazil is set to face Morocco on June 13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, kicking off a group stage that also features Haiti and Scotland. Neymar arrived at the team's training facility, Granja Comary, where he underwent comprehensive medical evaluations that revealed a grade two calf injury. This diagnosis comes at a critical time as it marks Neymar's fourth World Cup selection, made by coach Carlo Ancelotti, despite the fact that he has not played for the national team since October 2023 due to a severe knee injury sustained during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.
Since returning from Saudi Arabia, where he played for Al-Hilal, Neymar has participated in only a handful of matches with Santos. The FIFA World Cup regulations allow for player replacements until the deadline of June 1, meaning Ancelotti still has time to adjust his final roster before Brazil's first match in the tournament. The uncertainty surrounding Neymar's fitness adds a layer of complexity to Brazil's World Cup ambitions, as fans and analysts alike await further updates on his recovery.
As reported by expressnews.com.
