Brazil Forward Neymars Calf Injury Raises Concerns Ahead of World Cup

Brazilian Football Confederation Announces Neymar’s Absence from Training Session

The Brazilian national team’s training camp for the 2026 World Cup was disrupted when forward Neymar, the country’s record scorer, missed the first session due to medical tests. The 34-year-old player is recovering from an injury to his right calf and underwent imaging tests at a private clinic in Teresopolis.

According to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), no further information will be released until the team’s medical staff have completed their assessments. Neymar’s absence has generated significant attention, as he had not featured in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plans during his year in charge.

Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023 and returned to the fold amid scrutiny over his fitness and form following years of injury trouble and an underwhelming spell at Santos. The timing of his absence is delicate, with Brazil facing Panama on Sunday and then Egypt in Cleveland before their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13.

Ancelotti has stated that Neymar’s place in the squad will be strictly based on fitness and form, not sentiment. The team’s medical staff are currently assessing Neymar’s condition, and his status for the upcoming matches remains uncertain.

Source: Al Jazeera