![\"Neymar](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131372266,imgsize-107726,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/brazil-neymar-soccer.jpg\" "\\"Santos'")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBrazil\u2019s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by fresh concerns surrounding Neymar after reports confirmed the Santos forward is dealing with a more serious calf injury than initially expected.The 34-year-old arrived at Brazil\u2019s training camp under intense medical scrutiny after suffering another muscular issue in his right calf, with the situation quickly becoming the dominant storyline around Carlo Ancelotti\u2019s squad before the tournament begins in the United States, Mexico and Canada.According to multiple reports in Brazil, Neymar is now expected to miss Brazil\u2019s two pre-World Cup friendlies against Panama and Egypt and could also be unavailable for the Sele\u00e7\u00e3o\u2019s opening Group J match against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Neymar did not participate in closed training sessions at Granja Comary and instead underwent further imaging examinations at a private clinic in Teres\u00f3polis.<\/p>\n |Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar later revealed that Neymar\u2019s examinations identified a more significant injury than previously believed.\u201cYesterday Neymar underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan that revealed a grade two calf injury, not just edema. He is expected to recover in two or three weeks,\u201d Lasmar said in a statement released in Teres\u00f3polis.According to Marca<\/a>, the diagnosis differs considerably from the initial information Santos had provided to the CBF before Neymar reported to the national team camp.Santos doctor Rodrigo Zogaib had reportedly informed Brazil\u2019s coaching staff that Neymar was only dealing with edema and would be fully fit to begin training with the squad on May 27, which ultimately did not happen.Further reports now suggest the recovery timeline could stretch closer to three or even four weeks depending on how the calf responds to treatment, creating growing uncertainty around Neymar\u2019s availability for the early stages of the tournament.<\/p>\n According to information published by Torcedores, Brazil\u2019s coaching staff has already established a definitive internal deadline to determine whether Neymar will remain part of the World Cup squad.The key date is expected to be Brazil\u2019s friendly against Egypt on June 6 in the United States, which will reportedly serve as the final major assessment of Neymar\u2019s condition before a definitive decision is made.FIFA regulations allow injury replacements up to 24 hours before a nation\u2019s opening World Cup match, meaning Brazil still has flexibility if Neymar fails to recover in time.If the more optimistic recovery projection of approximately two weeks proves accurate, Neymar could potentially return around June 11, only two days before Brazil\u2019s opening match against Morocco.Brazil\u2019s second group-stage fixture is scheduled against Haiti on June 19.<\/p>\n Neymar\u2019s condition has already created significant tension around Brazil\u2019s opening camp sessions.According to reports from Brazil, the Brazilian federation even temporarily closed sections of the medical facility being used for Neymar\u2019s examinations to guarantee complete privacy during the testing process.The situation has also placed additional attention on Carlo Ancelotti\u2019s decision to include Neymar in the World Cup squad despite previously insisting he would only call up players who were fully fit.The former Real Madrid, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan manager had omitted Neymar from earlier Brazil squads while repeatedly stressing that only players at \u201c100 per cent physical capacity\u201d would be selected.However, Ancelotti still chose to include the Santos forward in his 26-man World Cup squad, with reports describing emotional scenes inside Neymar\u2019s household when his name was officially announced.According to reports, Ancelotti has since held direct conversations with Neymar regarding how the recovery process will be managed throughout the tournament.Neymar has reportedly agreed to remain with the squad even if he initially assumes a reduced role while continuing rehabilitation work alongside Brazil\u2019s medical staff, Santos doctors and his personal specialists.<\/p>\n Despite the growing concern surrounding his condition, Neymar has continued attempting to publicly project confidence.After watching Santos defeat Deportivo Cuenca 3-0 in a Copa Sudamericana match at Vila Belmiro earlier this week, Neymar was asked by reporters about the condition of his calf.\u201cIt\u2019s right here, in one piece,\u201d Neymar replied.When questioned whether the injury could jeopardise his World Cup participation, the forward responded: \u201cWhat problem?\u201d <\/p>\n Santos’ Neymar grimaces in pain after he was fouled during a Brazilian Championship soccer match against Coritiba in Sao Paulo, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Andre Penner)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMRI confirms grade-two calf injury for Neymar<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Brazil establishes deadline before final squad decision<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Neymar injury dominates Ancelotti\u2019s early Brazil camp<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Neymar publicly downplays concerns despite growing uncertainty<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Neymar](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131372275\/neymar-angry-at-being-accidentally-substituted-in-last-match-before-brazil-announces-world-cup-squad.jpg\" "\\"Santos'")
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