Neymar is aiming to play a big role for Brazil at his fourth World Cup, but the Santos attacker is suffering from a calf injury and could miss the opening match.
Neymar is expected to be out for two to three weeks with a calf injury (Image: Getty Images)
It has been revealed that Neymar may miss the opening match of the World Cup in Brazil due to a calf injury.
The veteran attacker, who has won 128 caps for his country, is included in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for this summer’s competition, which begins in two weeks. Neymar is currently plying his trade with Brazilian giants Santos after returning to his home country last year and joined up with the national team on Tuesday as they continue their final preparations for the World Cup.
Brazil will play two warm-up games before facing Morocco in Group C on June 13 in New Jersey. However, Brazil’s team doctor says Neymar will not play in either the games against Panama or Egypt and could miss the first match of the World Cup.
Coach Rodrigo Lasmar revealed in a press conference that Neymar had suffered a grade 2 calf injury. “Neymar has undergone all medical tests and an MRI scan has revealed that he has a grade 2 calf injury as well as swelling. He is expected to recover in two to three weeks.”
The news will come as a blow to Neymar, who is looking to play a key role in the World Cup after returning to international duty.
The 34-year-old has been plagued by injuries and has not represented the Selecao since 2023. Ancelotti’s arrival in the squad, which had been in doubt before the announcement, means the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker could play for his country in a fourth World Cup.
Ancelotti said of the decision, which was well-received by fans: “We analyzed Neymar throughout the year and we saw in this last period that he has continuity and is in good shape.”
Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023 (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Neymar will not be the only player to miss Brazil’s warm-up friendly, with Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli also set to miss the match against Panama to take part in the Champions League final.
The Arsenal duo face Neymar’s former club PSG in Budapest on Saturday, with the Gunners’ chances of clinching their first Champions League title at stake after celebrating their first Premier League title in 22 years last weekend.
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