Brazil's World Cup preparations have been dealt a blow after Neymar sustained a calf injury that could rule him out of the team's opening match. The 34-year-old forward, who has 128 caps for his country, was included in manager Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the tournament in the United States, which begins in two weeks.
Neymar, who currently plays for Santos after returning to Brazil last year, reported for national team duty on Tuesday. However, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed that an MRI scan revealed a grade two calf injury. 'He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks,' Lasmar said at a press conference, meaning Neymar could miss Brazil's Group C opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.
The injury is a setback for Neymar, who has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to a series of fitness issues. His selection for the World Cup was in doubt, but Ancelotti explained: 'We spent the entire year analysing Neymar. We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.'
Brazil will play warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt before the World Cup, but Neymar will miss both. He is also likely to be absent for the start of the tournament, though the team hopes he will be fit for later group games. The news comes as a disappointment for fans eager to see the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star at a fourth World Cup.
Meanwhile, Arsenal defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli will also miss the Panama friendly due to their participation in the Champions League final against PSG on Saturday. The Gunners, who won the Premier League title last weekend, are aiming for a historic double.
