Overview
- An MRI in Teresópolis on Thursday confirmed a grade‑2 muscle lesion in Neymar’s calf and CBF chief doctor Rodrigo Lasmar estimated a two‑ to three‑week recovery window.
- Because of the diagnosis, Neymar will miss Brazil’s pre‑World Cup friendlies against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 6.
- Neymar remains in the national camp at Granja Comary receiving intensive treatment and daily evaluation under a confidential medical process arranged by the CBF.
- The CBF diagnosis contradicts Santos’ earlier report that described only an edema, creating tension between the club’s medical staff and the federation’s doctors.
- The federation will decide by June 12 whether to keep Neymar in the 26‑man squad and can request a FIFA‑approved replacement up to 24 hours before Brazil’s opener, a choice that could force tactical shifts and limit Neymar’s match readiness even if he returns.