FIFA World Cup 2026: Neymar to not travel with Brazil for Haiti match
Philadelphia, June 18
Brazil football superstar Neymar will not travel with the team to Philadelphia for their second FIFA World Cup clash against Haiti scheduled for Saturday, as he is yet to make a full recovery from his calf injury, said the Brazil football governing body.
A statement from Brazil football association said, as quoted by Reuters, that he will stay in New Jersey to "make the most of the final stage of his recovery".
"He will remain in New Jersey to make the most of the final stage of his recovery, making use of the excellent facilities at The Ridge hotel and the Columbia Park training centre," they said in a statement on Thursday, ruling out Neymar travelling with the team on Friday.
The 34-year-old briefly joined the team for drills after warming up separately in boots and with the ball on Wednesday. He has been limited to indoor work at the team's training centre with the team's physiotherapists and fitness coaches.
Brazil are hoping that their veteran is back soon and gives the team an attacking edge that they have been lacking. There have been reports that he could be missing out on the entire group stage, as under a more cautious and conservative approach, Brazil is eyeing that the superstar footballer returns to the pitch in time for the knockouts. Neymar is doubtful for the clash against Haiti and has been reported by Goal.com to miss the entire group stage, due to a calf injury sustained in May during a match for Santos.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Always the same story with Neymar and injuries. He's brilliant when fit, but he's missed so many crucial games over the years. Brazil should learn to build a team that doesn't depend so heavily on one player. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo can step up, yaar!
It's smart management by Brazil. No point rushing him back and risking a more serious injury. The knockout stages are where you need your best players. Haiti match is winnable without him. Just hope the team doesn't lose momentum in group stage.
Kya yaar, I was so looking forward to seeing Neymar play! He's my favorite player after Messi. But better to be safe than sorry. Brazil has too much talent to struggle against Haiti. Just hope he's back for the round of 16. Missing Neymar vs Haiti is sad but the team should be fine
The Brazil medical team needs to be held accountable. How did they let Neymar get injured in May and he's still not fit for a World Cup match? This is basic fitness management failure. The "excellent facilities" line is just PR spin. Very disappointing.
Honestly, this could be a blessing in disguise for Brazil. They've been overly reliant on Neymar for years. Now other players like Raphinha and Martinelli can step up and show their worth. If they get through group stage without him, they'll be even more dangerous when he returns. 🇧🇷🔥
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