Injured Neymar could miss Brazil's World Cup opener

Neymar has been ruled out for two to three weeks with a calf injury. He will miss Brazil’s home friendly against Panama and a friendly against Egypt in Cleveland. Brazil’s World Cup campaign begins on 13 June against Morocco, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland. A grade two calf strain involves a partial tear of muscle fibres and requires rest and rehabilitation. Neymar underwent medical tests including an MRI scan that identified the injury rather than only swelling. He joined the team but missed an initial training session and was sent for tests after reporting swelling in his right calf. Brazil’s manager is also without Gabriel, Martinelli, and Marquinhos due to Champions League final commitments.

"Neymar will not play in Brazil’s upcoming friendly matches and could also miss their World Cup opener. The 34-year-old has been ruled out for "two to three weeks" with a calf injury. That would mean he will not play in the home friendly against Panama on Sunday and also against Egypt in a friendly in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, 6 June."

"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. A grade two calf strain is a moderate injury involving a partial tear of the muscle fibres that requires rest and rehabilitation."

"Neymar, who has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances, had joined the team on Tuesday but missed Wednesday's first training session and was sent for tests after complaints of swelling in his right calf. The diagnosis differs from that presented by his Santos club doctor prior to the squad announcement. Rodrigo Zogaib had stated the problem was merely swelling and that Neymar would arrive fit to begin training."

"Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti had already been without Arsenal defender Gabriel and forward Gabriel Martinelli for the Panama game because of their involvement in the Champions League final on 30 May against Paris St-Germain. Defender Marquinhos, who captains both Brazil and PSG, is also unavailable for the same reason. Neymar has not played for the Selecao since 2023 amid his struggles with injuries but was selected for the World Cup ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham forward Richarlison."

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