Neymar was absent from Brazil’s first World Cup training session on Wednesday as he underwent “further medical evaluations” for his bruised right calf, as announced by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
As per the CBF’s medical team, the additional tests aimed to provide a clearer diagnosis of the injury that has kept the forward sidelined since May 17, when he last played in Santos‘ loss to Coritiba in the Brasileirão.
Sources informed ESPN Brasil that Neymar was accompanied by Brazil’s head of medical staff, Rodrigo Lasmar, for an MRI scan at the clinic.
Neymar reported to the squad earlier on Wednesday, joining his teammates at the training facility in Teresópolis, located outside Rio de Janeiro. However, based on the final medical tests, it seems highly improbable he will participate in Brazil’s first warm-up match against Panama this coming Sunday in Brasília.
Brazil’s second warm-up match is scheduled against Egypt on June 5.
On Tuesday, Neymar downplayed worries about his World Cup availability while watching Santos secure a 3-0 victory over Deportivo Cuenca in a Copa Sudamericana clash at Vila Belmiro. When questioned about his injury, Neymar replied lightheartedly, “What problem?”
Right-back Danilo was the only other player missing from the initial practice session of the 23-man squad reported to manager Carlo Ancelotti. Danilo had played the entire match on Tuesday in a Copa Libertadores group stage finale against Cusco.
The remaining members to complete the 26-player squad for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada include Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, as well as Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, who are expected to join the squad after Saturday’s Champions League final in Budapest.
Information from ESPN Brazil contributed to this report.