Neymar has suffered a fresh calf injury, which makes him a major doubt for Carlo Ancelotti’s final World Cup squad. The Santos forward suffered a grade two right calf tear during the opening day of Brazil’s World Cup preparations at Granja Comary.
ALSO READ: Neymar named in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad
Further tests confirmed a grade two oedema, despite Santos providing initial medical clearance. Santos confirmed Neymar was dealing with a minor calf injury on May 21, but insisted it was not enough to deny him a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad. Globo reported that the CBF took extraordinary precautions, including closing a local diagnostic centre to the public to ensure absolute privacy for the superstar’s imaging scan.
However, Neymar’s latest injury diagnosis could sideline the Brazil talisman from on-field training and render him highly unlikely to feature in the Selecao’s opening game against Panama.
Despite injury concerns, Neymar brushed off the severity of his situation. Before reporting for international duty, the 34-year-old faced intense media scrutiny regarding his fitness at Vila Belmiro. When reporters asked him how his calf was feeling, the former Paris Saint-Germaine star replied bluntly, “It’s here, all intact.”
Meanwhile, Ancelotti has spoken directly with the forward per Torcedores, who agreed to join the team even if it means playing a lesser role at the World Cup. Brazil’s technical committee is following strict protocols alongside Santos professionals and Neymar’s personal staff to ensure his muscle recover before the tournament.
FIFA rules permit coaches to replace injured players up to 24 hours before the opening match. The CBF will reportedly use Brazil’s friendly match against Egypt in the United States on June 6 to determine if Neymar remains with the team or not.
