Neymar’s World Cup fairytale is in jeopardy as he misses Brazil’s opener

Brazil have suffered a major blow ahead of the World Cup as Neymar has been ruled out of the Selecao’s upcoming warm-up matches and potentially their opening group stage clash after suffering a calf injury. The 34-year-old forward is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks after suffering a grade two calf strain, an injury that involves a partial tear of the muscle fibers and requires rest along with rehabilitation.

As a result, Neymar will miss Brazil’s friendlies against Panama on Sunday and Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland, Ohio. His availability for Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey is also in doubt. Brazil will then face Haiti in Philadelphia on June 19 and face Scotland in Miami five days later.

Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the setback during a press conference and explained that Neymar has a grade two calf injury.

“Neymar underwent all medical tests, which ended with an MRI scan that revealed a second-degree calf injury, not just swelling. He is expected to recover within two to three weeks,” Lasmar said.

A seasoned striker subsequently missed Wednesday’s practice and underwent medical examinations which revealed the injuries. The diagnosis contradicts an earlier assessment by Santos club doctor Rodrigo Zogaib, who suggested Neymar was only dealing with swelling and could train with the national team.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is already missing several key players for the match in Panama. Arsenal duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, along with Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, are unavailable due to their commitments in the Champions League final on May 30.

Despite a frustrating season with injuries and absences in Brazil from 2023, Neymar was still included in the World Cup squad ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham striker Richarlison.

If fit enough to play later in the tournament, Neymar could be part of Brazil’s World Cup squad for the fourth time, having previously represented the nation in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

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Published on:

28 May 2026 23:32 IST