Neymar Injury Blow Leaves Brazil Sweating Ahead Of World Cup Opener

Brazil’s World Cup preparations have suffered an early setback after Neymar was ruled out of the country’s upcoming friendly matches with a calf injury that could also keep him sidelined for their opening game of the tournament.

Neymar, 34, is expected to miss Brazil’s home friendly against Panama on Sunday and next week’s clash with Egypt in Cleveland, Ohio after scans confirmed a grade two calf injury.

Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar disclosed the extent of the problem during a press conference earlier today, May 28.

“Neymar underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade two calf injury, not just swelling. He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks,” Lasmar said.

A grade two calf strain involves a partial tear of muscle fibres and usually requires rest and rehabilitation before a player can return to full training.

Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13 before facing Haiti in Philadelphia and Scotland in Miami later in the group stage.

Neymar only linked up with the squad on Tuesday but missed the team’s first training session a day later after reporting swelling in his right calf. Medical staff immediately sent him for further tests.

The diagnosis contradicts earlier assurances from Santos club doctor Rodrigo Zogaib, who had described the issue as simple swelling and insisted Neymar would be fit to train with the national team.

The injury concern adds to Carlo Ancelotti’s selection problems. Arsenal pair Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, along with Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, are unavailable for the Panama fixture because of their involvement in the Champions League final on May 30.

Neymar has not featured for Brazil since 2023 due to persistent injury troubles, yet Ancelotti still included him in the World Cup squad ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison.

Selection for the tournament means Neymar is in line to appear at a fourth World Cup after featuring in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.

Ancelotti, who named his squad during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, defended the decision to recall the forward.

“We spent the entire year analysing Neymar. We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition,” the Italian said.

Fans inside the venue applauded loudly when Neymar’s name was announced.