Brazil have been dealt a significant injury concern ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with star forward Neymar now doubtful for the opening phase of the tournament after suffering a calf injury. The 34-year-old Santos forward is expected to spend the next two to three weeks recovering after medical examinations confirmed a grade two muscle problem.
Medical Update
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar provided the update on Thursday from the national side's pre-World Cup training camp near Rio de Janeiro. An MRI scan "identified a grade two muscle injury... our expectation is that he will be available in two to three weeks," Lasmar said. The injury means Neymar will miss Brazil's upcoming warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt. His availability for Brazil's World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 also remains uncertain.
Training Absence
Although Neymar joined the Brazil squad at the training base on Wednesday, he did not participate in the team's opening training session. The forward had already been absent from his club's recent matches, with Santos coach Cuca previously describing the issue as "a slight injury."
Selection Controversy
Neymar's selection in head coach Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man World Cup squad had already generated discussion due to his long absence from the national side. The Brazilian superstar had not featured for his country in almost three years following a difficult spell marked by injuries and inconsistent form. Earlier this year, Ancelotti had excluded Neymar from Brazil's March friendlies against France and Croatia, citing concerns surrounding the forward's physical condition and readiness.
Neymar's Legacy
Despite the doubts over his fitness, Neymar's importance to Brazil remains undeniable. He is still the nation's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the Selecao. The upcoming tournament is set to be Neymar's fourth World Cup appearance. His most recent match for Brazil came back in 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
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