Neymar Expected to Miss Brazils World Cup Opener Due to Calf Injury

Brazilian Football Confederation Confirms Neymar’s Injury Status for World Cup Friendlies

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed that Neymar will miss the upcoming friendlies and is expected to be out of action for two to three weeks due to a grade-two calf injury. According to CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, an MRI scan revealed the extent of the injury, which differs from the initial diagnosis provided by Santos.

Neymar had joined the team on Tuesday but missed the first training session and was sent to a private clinic in Teresopolis for imaging tests after experiencing swelling in his right calf. The CBF has confirmed that Neymar will not be available for Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracana, as well as the subsequent match against Egypt in Cleveland.

The injury diagnosis also affects Neymar’s participation in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. With Neymar out of action, manager Carlo Ancelotti is already without defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, as well as forward Gabriel Martinelli for Sunday’s fixture due to their involvement in the Champions League final.

Neymar will undergo rest and rehabilitation for his calf injury, which requires a moderate level of recovery time. The CBF has not commented on whether Neymar could be dropped from the squad.

Source: Al Jazeera