Neymar Major Doubt For Brazil’s World Cup Opener After Calf Injury

• Neymar is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks with a grade two calf strain
• The Brazil forward will miss upcoming friendlies against Panama and Egypt
• His fitness for Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco is now in serious doubt

Brazil have been dealt a major World Cup scare after Neymar was ruled out for up to three weeks with a muscle strain in his right calf.

The 34-year-old forward underwent medical examinations after reporting to Brazil’s training base at Granja Comary, with scans confirming a grade two muscle injury.

Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the diagnosis on Thursday and admitted Neymar is now a major doubt for the Selecao’s opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 13.

“Neymar reported for duty yesterday at Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests, and we finished with an MRI scan, which revealed a grade two muscle strain,” Lasmar said.

“The player is continuing his treatment, and we expect him to be cleared to play in two to three weeks.”

Neymar has not played since May 17 when he featured in Santos’ league defeat to Coritiba before suffering the calf issue.

The injury means he will definitely miss Brazil’s World Cup warm-up friendlies against Panama in Brasília on Sunday and Egypt in Cleveland on June 5.

Brazil also face Haiti and Scotland later in the group stage, but the immediate concern is whether Neymar will recover in time for the opening fixture against Morocco at MetLife Stadium.

The timing could hardly be worse for both player and country.

Neymar had only recently returned to the Brazil setup after a lengthy absence caused by the ACL injury he suffered on international duty in October 2023.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had repeatedly resisted recalling Neymar earlier in his tenure, insisting he would only select players who were fully fit and physically capable of competing at the highest level.

But despite concerns over his condition, Neymar was included in Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

It will be his fourth World Cup appearance if he recovers in time.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro admitted the squad are anxiously waiting for Neymar’s recovery while stressing the importance of having every key player available.

“No player likes being injured, but hopefully Neymar and all the players will be fit and healthy to play the games we know we need everyone for,” Casemiro said.

“So I think the doctor has already made it very clear that his recovery is progressing day by day, and we’re eagerly awaiting the return of all the players.

“All the players here are important.”

Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 international goals and was expected to play a central role in Ancelotti’s plans this summer despite his recent injury struggles.

FIFA regulations allow teams to replace an injured player in their World Cup squad up to one day before their opening fixture.

For now, though, Brazil are still hoping their biggest star can recover in time.