Neymar has returned to training on the sidelines for the first time since arriving in the United States, one month after suffering a right calf injury.
The Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) reported that Neymar “progressed in his recovery” with his appearance at Brazil‘s training facility in Morristown, New Jersey.
The former star of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain engaged in initial running drills and worked out with a member of Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching team, as per footage shared by the CBF.
Despite sustaining a calf injury while playing for Santos on May 17, Neymar was called up to represent Brazil in the tournament and had not participated in training until now.
The five-time world champions Brazil, who had a 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday, are set to face Haiti on Friday, followed by a match against Scotland on Wednesday, June 24.
According to sources, Neymar—recovering from a Grade II muscle injury—underwent a medical examination again on Monday, though the CBF has not yet verified the results.
Brazilian media reported that the medical staff aims to have him fully fit for the knockout stages, which means Neymar will miss the matches against Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
At 34, Neymar last played for the Brazil national team on October 17, 2023, when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a South American qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo.
Since that match, he has not donned the Brazilian jersey, totaling around 700 days away from the pitch due to injuries and recovery, as documented by Transfermarkt.
Neymar was present on the bench during Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco but did not wear the team’s uniform.
“Neymar is putting in a lot of effort to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti commented prior to the game on Saturday. “We hope he will recover and rejoin the team next week.
“We included him in the roster not only for his undeniable technical skills but also for the experience and mentorship he provides to the younger players on the team.”