Neymar Injury Scare Puts Brazil Under Pressure Ahead Of World Cup Opener

Brazil’s preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup have been dealt a significant setback after star forward Neymar was ruled out of the country’s upcoming friendly matches due to a calf injury that could also threaten his availability for their opening game of the tournament.

According to reports, medical examinations confirmed that the 34-year-old sustained a grade two calf injury, forcing him to miss Brazil’s friendly encounter against Panama on Sunday as well as next week’s clash against Egypt in Cleveland, Ohio.

Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar disclosed during a press briefing on Wednesday that Neymar underwent extensive medical assessments, including an MRI scan, which revealed more than just minor swelling in the affected area.

Lasmar explained that the injury is expected to sideline the veteran attacker for between two and three weeks as he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation. A grade two calf strain typically involves a partial tear of muscle fibres and often requires a careful recovery process before a player can resume full training activities.

Brazil are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13 before taking on Haiti in Philadelphia and Scotland in Miami during the group stage.

Neymar had only joined the national team camp earlier this week but missed the squad’s first training session after complaining of swelling in his right calf. The team’s medical staff subsequently referred him for further examinations.

The development appears to contradict earlier claims from Santos club doctor Rodrigo Zogaib, who had reportedly downplayed the issue by describing it as simple swelling and expressing confidence that the forward would train normally with the national team.

The latest injury concern has further complicated selection plans for head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Arsenal duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, alongside Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, are all unavailable for the Panama fixture due to their involvement in the UEFA Champions League final scheduled for May 30.

Despite Neymar’s prolonged absence from international football since 2023 because of recurring injury problems, Ancelotti opted to include the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star in Brazil’s World Cup squad ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison.

If fit enough to feature, Neymar is expected to participate in his fourth FIFA World Cup after previously representing Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament.

Speaking during the squad announcement ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti defended his decision to recall the experienced forward, insisting the coaching staff had closely monitored his fitness throughout the year and were satisfied with his physical condition before the latest setback.

The announcement of Neymar’s inclusion in the squad reportedly drew loud applause from fans present at the event.