Neymar ruled out of Brazil friendlies, set to miss FIFA World Cup opener
Rio de Janeiro, May 28
Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's national football team's upcoming friendlies and is set to miss their FIFA World Cup opener after scans confirmed a Grade 2 calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Thursday.
CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed that the veteran forward will require around two to three weeks of recovery, dealing a major setback to Brazil ahead of the tournament.
"Neymar reported for duty yesterday here at Granja Comary, 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 as quoted by Reuters.
Lasmar did not clarify whether Neymar could be dropped from Brazil's squad. The striker had joined the national camp earlier this week but missed the first training session and was later sent to a private clinic in Teresopolis for further medical tests after complaining of swelling in his right calf.
However, MRI results revealed not just swelling as initially thought, but a Grade 2 calf strain -- a partial tear of muscle fibres that requires rest and rehabilitation.
As a result, Brazil's all-time leading scorer will miss the friendly against Panama at the Maracanã and the following fixture against Egypt in Cleveland. He is also highly unlikely to feature in Brazil's World Cup opener against African champions Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti was already without defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos and forward Gabriel Martinelli for the Panama friendly due to their involvement in the UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
On Tuesday, Neymar appeared unconcerned about his fitness when asked about the injury after attending Santos' 3-0 Copa Sudamericana win over Deportivo Cuenca at Vila Belmiro, responding, "What problem?"
Brazil's quest for a record sixth title will start against Morocco on June 13. Neymar, the team's leading goal-scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national side since sustaining an ACL tear in October 2023.
Neymar was included in the 26-member squad for the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This will be his fourth World Cup appearance, and he will be eyeing his first-ever FIFA World Cup trophy. In 2014, Brazil finished fourth, while it faced quarterfinal exits in the next two tournaments.
Ancelotti had omitted Neymar from his previous call-ups, repeatedly stressing that only players with 100 per cent physical capacity would be considered.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think Carlo Ancelotti is doing the right thing by prioritizing players who are 100% fit. India has been talking a lot about the importance of player fitness after our own football team's struggles. But at the same time, Neymar's record speaks for itself - 79 goals for Brazil! If he can get even 60% fit in two weeks, you have to take the risk. The World Cup is about moments of magic, and no one can produce them like he does.
As someone who follows Indian football closely, this situation reminds me of how important squad depth is. Brazil should have a Plan B ready. But seriously, Neymar's career has been plagued by injuries - first the back problems, then the ankle, now the ACL and calf. It's frustrating because we know the talent he has. Hope Brazil's medical team works some magic. 🇧🇷
This is really sad. I've been watching Neymar since his Santos days, and he brings such joy to football fans worldwide. That said, I think Brazil has enough talent to cope without him - Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Raphinha... But will they have that same spark? A World Cup without Neymar is like watching a cricket match without Virat Kohli - still good, but missing that extra magic. Get well soon, Ney! 💙💛
It's concerning that Neymar wasn't concerned about his fitness initially. That kind of attitude can cost a team dearly in a tournament like the World Cup. I respect Ancelotti's discipline - he's right that only fully fit players should go. India's own football development has taught us that player welfare comes first. Brazil have the depth to survive the group stage, but beyond that? They'll need their star man back. 🤞
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