FIFA WC 2026: Neymar undergoes new tests, likely miss Brazil's second Group C game
New Delhi, June 16
Neymar underwent fresh exams on Monday to evaluate his recovery from a grade two calf strain in his right leg and is unlikely to play against Haiti in Brazil's second Group C game on Friday, according to Brazilian media reports.
The 34-year-old forward, who has been struggling with a calf injury, is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances and has not played for the national team since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. He has since suffered a series of injuries, the latest of which is a calf strain that keep him out of Brazil's opening match against Morocco on on Sunday (IST).
Neymar could play at a fourth World Cup, having also represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
According to Brazilian newspaper O Globo, Neymar underwent new imaging tests to assess the progress of his injury, which is satisfactory but not enough to allow him to move on to the next stage of the recovery process.
The report further claimed that Neymar is still under the care of the medical department and is doing supplementary weight training, but he still needs to reach the stage of physical conditioning on the field before he is able to train with the ball alongside the other players.
Last week, the CBF issued the update after Neymar underwent an MRI scan to assess his recovery from a grade two calf strain in his right leg. It said the 34-year-old's recuperation was "within the expected parameters", adding that he would continue receiving treatment as part of a tailored program.
Brazil's remaining World Cup Group C matches are against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday and Scotland in Miami on June 24.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, at this point Brazil should just rest him fully even if it means missing group stages. No point rushing back for a calf strain when he's had that ACL tear. Better to have him for knockouts than nothing at all.
Classic case of a footballer not knowing when to call it quits. Neymar should take a page from Kohli's book and manage his body better. At 34, every injury takes longer to heal. Brazil has enough depth to handle Group C without him - Haiti and Scotland are no pushovers but they're not giants either.
It's amazing how Brazil still relies on Neymar for their attack even now. Vinicius Junior is the man for the future, but they miss Neymar's creativity in the final third. Let's hope for his sake he can make a full recovery. Abhi aaram se treatment do (give him treatment with rest) - India's football fans are watching closely!
Brazil should be careful not to rush him. A grade two calf strain is serious in football terms. If they push him against Haiti and he breaks down again, it could end his WC. Better to be cautious now and have him fit for potential knockout games.
Respect to Neymar for fighting back again and again, but at some point you have to think about legacy beyond football. I wish him a speedy recovery, but Brazil need to plan for a future without him. India's emerging footballers should watch how professionals manage these setbacks - mental toughness is everything. 🙌
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