TERESÓPOLIS, Brazil — Brazil superstar Neymar is facing a race against time to be fit for the Seleção’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match after sustaining a fresh calf injury during international training camp preparations.
The 34-year-old Santos attacker, who was recently recalled to the national team by manager Carlo Ancelotti after a long international absence due to injuries, has been ruled out of action for the next two to three weeks.
Okay News reports that Brazil’s team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, confirmed the severity of the injury during a press conference on Thursday after the veteran forward underwent advanced medical scans.
“Neymar underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade two calf injury, not just swelling,” Dr. Lasmar announced. “He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks.”
The recovery timeline completely rules Neymar out of Brazil’s upcoming warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt. More critically, it throws his participation in Brazil’s Group C World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey into serious doubt.
Neymar’s inclusion in Ancelotti’s final squad for what would be his fourth World Cup campaign had generated immense excitement among Brazilian fans, following a strong domestic season back home in Brazil. The national team will also be temporarily short-staffed in training this week, as Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli are away preparing for Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
