Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by fresh concerns surrounding Neymar after reports were confirmed that the Santos forward is dealing with a calf injury longer than initially expected.The 34-year-old arrived at Brazil’s training camp under intense medical scrutiny after suffering another muscle problem in his right calf, the situation quickly becoming the dominant story around Carlo Ancelotti’s squad ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.According to multiple reports in Brazil, Neymar is now expected to miss Brazil’s two pre-World Cup friendlies against Panama and Egypt and may also be unavailable for the Seleção’s Group J opener against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Neymar did not attend the closed training sessions at Granja Comri and instead underwent further imaging tests at a private clinic in Teresopolis.
An MRI has confirmed a grade two calf injury for Neymar.
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar later revealed that Neymar’s examination indicated a more significant injury than previously thought.“Yesterday Neymar underwent all the medical tests, culminating with an MRI scan that revealed a grade two calf injury, not just edema,” Lasmar said in a statement released in Teresópolis. Lasmar said in a statement issued in Teresópolis.Accordingly Markathe assessment is quite different from the initial information that Santos provided to the CBF before Neymar reported to the national team camp.Santos’ doctor Rodrigo Zogueb reportedly informed Brazil’s coaching staff that Neymar was only suffering from inflammation and would be fully fit to start training with the squad on May 27, which ultimately did not happen.Further reports now suggest that the recovery timeline could extend to three or four weeks depending on how the calf responds to treatment, adding to the growing uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s availability for the early stages of the tournament.
Brazil set a deadline before the final squad decision.
According to information published by Torcedores, Brazil’s coaching staff has already set a final internal deadline to determine if Neymar will remain part of the World Cup squad.The crucial date is expected to be Brazil’s friendly against Egypt in the US on June 6, which will provide a final assessment of Neymar’s condition before a final decision is made.FIFA regulations allow injury replacements up to 24 hours before a country’s World Cup opener, meaning Brazil still have flexibility if Neymar is unable to recover in time.If the more optimistic recovery estimate of around two weeks proves correct, Neymar could potentially return around June 11, just two days before Brazil’s opener against Morocco.Brazil’s second group stage match is scheduled for June 19 against Haiti.
Neymar injury dominates Ancelotti’s opening Brazil camp
Neymar’s condition has already created significant tension around Brazil’s opening camp session.According to reports from Brazil, the Brazilian federation has also temporarily closed the section of the medical facility used for Neymar’s tests to guarantee complete confidentiality during the testing process.The situation has also drawn extra attention to Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to include Neymar in his World Cup squad despite previously insisting he would only call up players who are fully fit.The former Real Madrid, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan manager left Neymar out of Brazil’s first-team squad while repeatedly insisting that only players with “100 per cent physical fitness” would be selected.However, Ancelotti still chose to include the Santos forward in his 26-man World Cup squad, with reports describing emotional scenes inside Neymar’s home when his name was officially announced.According to reports, Ancelotti has since held direct talks with Neymar about how the recovery process will be managed throughout the tournament.Neymar has reportedly agreed to stay with the squad even if he initially plays a reduced role as he continues his rehabilitation with Brazil’s medical staff, Santos’ doctors and his personal specialists.
Neymar publicly downplays fears despite growing uncertainty
Despite growing concern about his condition, Neymar has continued to build confidence in the public eye.After Santos beat Deportivo Cuenca 3-0 in a Copa Sudamerica match at Villa Belmiro earlier this week, Neymar was asked by reporters about the condition of his calf.Neymar replied.When asked if the injury could jeopardize his participation at the World Cup, the forward replied: “What problem?”
Neymar of Santos is in pain after being fouled during the Brazilian Championship soccer match against Curitiba, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Behind the scenes, however, Brazil’s medical sector is reportedly taking a far more cautious approach.Sources said ESPN that the swelling in Neymar’s right calf is “not trivial” and that the recovery period may ultimately prove to be longer than Santos initially anticipated.
Brazil hope Neymar can return for another World Cup run.
Neymar has not represented Brazil since suffering an ACL injury while on international duty in October 2023.The Santos forward is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals and is preparing for what will be his fourth World Cup.His selection had already sparked controversy due to his prolonged absence from the national team and persistent injury concerns.The call-up also ensured Neymar’s return to the World Cup stage after Brazil’s disappointing recent campaigns.Brazil finished fourth on home soil during the 2014 World Cup before exiting in the quarter-finals in both 2018 and 2022.The Seleção now begin another bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup title, although much of the attention around the squad is currently focused on Neymar’s recovery timeline and whether Brazil’s biggest star will be fully fit when the tournament begins.
