Neymar's Injury Sidelines Him from Brazil's Upcoming Matches and World Cup Opener

Neymar Faces Setback Ahead of World Cup

Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], May 28: Neymar has been officially ruled out of Brazil's upcoming friendly matches and will also miss the opening game of the FIFA World Cup due to a Grade 2 calf injury, as confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Thursday.

CBF's medical expert, Rodrigo Lasmar, stated that the experienced forward will need approximately two to three weeks for recovery, marking a significant blow for Brazil as they prepare for the tournament.

Lasmar explained, “Neymar reported for duty yesterday at Granja Comary, underwent all necessary medical evaluations, and an MRI scan revealed a grade-two calf injury, not merely swelling. He is expected to be fit in two to three weeks,” as reported by a news outlet.

While Lasmar did not specify if Neymar would be removed from the squad, the striker had joined the national team earlier this week but missed the initial training session. He was subsequently sent to a private clinic in Teresopolis for additional tests after experiencing swelling in his right calf.

The MRI results indicated a Grade 2 calf strain, which is a partial tear of muscle fibers that necessitates rest and rehabilitation, rather than just swelling as initially suspected.

Consequently, Brazil's all-time leading scorer will not participate in the friendly against Panama at the Maracanã, nor in the subsequent match against Egypt in Cleveland. His participation in Brazil's World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey is also highly doubtful.

Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is already missing defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos, along with forward Gabriel Martinelli for the Panama friendly due to their commitments in the UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

On Tuesday, Neymar seemed unfazed about his injury when questioned after attending Santos' 3-0 Copa Sudamericana victory over Deportivo Cuenca at Vila Belmiro, responding, “What problem?”

Brazil aims for a record sixth title, starting their campaign against Morocco on June 13. Neymar, who has scored 79 goals for the national team, has not played since suffering an ACL tear in October 2023.

He was named in the 26-member squad for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will mark his fourth World Cup appearance, as he seeks his first FIFA World Cup trophy. Brazil finished fourth in 2014 and faced quarterfinal exits in the subsequent two tournaments.

Ancelotti had previously excluded Neymar from his call-ups, emphasizing that only players in peak physical condition would be considered.