Neymar is not traveling with Brazil for the clash in Haiti as his rehabilitation from injury continues

Brazil forward Neymar will not travel with the team for Friday’s World Cup Group C match against Haiti in Philadelphia as he continues to recover from a calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed, Reuters reported on Thursday (18).

The decision underscores Brazil’s cautious approach to their biggest star, who is close to returning but not yet ready for competitive action.

“He will remain in New Jersey to make the most of the final phase of his recovery, taking advantage of the excellent facilities at The Ridge Hotel and Columbia Park Training Center,” CBF said in a statement.

Neymar suffered the injury while playing for Santos in a 3-0 defeat by Coritiba on May 17, adding another chapter to a difficult series of physical setbacks that have limited his appearances in recent years.

POSITIVE SIGNS IN RECOVERY

Despite missing the game in Haiti, Neymar’s recovery has gained momentum this week.

The 34-year-old player returned to the training ground on Wednesday he warmed up on his own for the first time since his injury before taking part in some drills with his Brazilian team-mates. He later continued to work independently on the sidelines as the medical staff continued to closely monitor his progress.

A day earlier, Neymar trained in the United States for the first time since joining the team, although he stayed out of the main group.

Until this week, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward had been largely confined to indoor rehabilitation sessions with physios and fitness trainers at the Brazilian training base.

RETURN TO KNOCKOUTS

Earlier Brazilian media reports, according to Reuters, reckon the team’s medical staff are focusing on a return during the knockout stages rather than risking Neymar in the remaining group matches.

The five-time world champions are keen to avoid any setback in the recovery of a player who remains central to their hopes of going deep into the tournament.

Neymar hasn’t played for Brazil in almost three years but remains the country’s all-time top goalscorer with 79 international goals.

BRAZIL LOOKING FOR FIRST WIN

Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with a draw against Morocco and have one point from their opening match.

With Haiti bottom of Group C after defeat to Scotland, Brazil are expected to fight for their first win of the tournament even without Neymar.

However, our current focus is on getting their talisman fully fit for the later stages of the competition, where his experience and creativity could be crucial.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

18 Jun 2026 20:37 IST