Neymar is expected to be out of action for up to three weeks due to a muscle strain in his right calf, according to Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, which raises concerns about his availability for the team’s World Cup opener.
The Brazilian forward last played on May 17 during a league match where Santos faced a defeat against Coritiba, after which he has been struggling with this calf issue.
“Neymar reported for training yesterday at [Brazil’s training center] Granja Comary, underwent all necessary medical tests, and an MRI scan revealed he has a grade 2 muscle strain,” Lasmar stated on Thursday. “He is currently undergoing treatment, and we anticipate he will be fit to return in two to three weeks.”
Neymar, 34, will miss upcoming friendly matches against Panama in Brasília on Sunday and Egypt in Cleveland on June 5.
His participation in Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on June 13 is also in jeopardy.
Brazil will additionally face Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 24.
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As Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, Neymar has not played for the national team since sustaining an ACL tear in October 2023 while on international duty.
He has been included in Brazil’s final 26-man roster for the tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, marking his fourth appearance in a World Cup.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously left Neymar out of earlier selections, stressing that he would only choose players fully fit for competition.