As the anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, doubts loom over Brazilian forward Neymar's ability to participate in the opening match against Morocco on June 13. This uncertainty stems from a calf injury that has been diagnosed by the national team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, requiring treatment that could extend from two to three weeks. Neymar, who is 34 years old and currently plays for Santos, will also miss Brazil's upcoming friendly matches against Panama and Egypt as he works towards recovery.
Dr. Lasmar confirmed that an MRI revealed a grade two muscle injury, indicating that while Neymar is expected to be fit in the next two to three weeks, his absence from critical matches poses a significant concern for the Brazilian squad. The iconic player has been called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti for his fourth World Cup appearance, a return after more than two years away from the national team, following months of speculation about his future.
Neymar had rejoined the Brazilian training camp last Wednesday in Teresópolis, near Rio de Janeiro, alongside his teammates, but he was unable to partake in the first training session due to his condition. Previously, he had missed the last two games with Santos; however, coach Kuka had downplayed the situation, describing it as merely a "minor injury." Despite this, Neymar has faced numerous physical setbacks since returning to Santos, his formative club, at the beginning of 2025, although he played a crucial role in preventing the team from relegation at the end of the last season.
Throughout this year, Neymar has managed to score six goals and provide four assists in 15 matches, with his appearances being carefully managed. He has not played more than four consecutive games since undergoing another knee surgery in February. The timing of his current injury is particularly critical, as Brazil's last friendly match against Egypt in Cleveland will precede their World Cup opener against Morocco, which is part of a challenging Group C that also includes Haiti and Scotland.
In an interview with Reuters earlier this month, Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar's reputation will not guarantee him a spot in the squad. He made it clear that Neymar would not receive any special treatment and that his position would strictly depend on his physical fitness and performance rather than sentimentality. This statement underscores the competitive nature of the selection process as Brazil aims to secure their sixth World Cup title.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
