Overview
- An MRI performed at Brazil’s camp on May 27 diagnosed Neymar with a grade‑2 right calf muscle strain, and the CBF expects a two-to-three week recovery window.
- The federation has ruled Neymar out of Brazil’s pre-tournament friendlies against Panama and Egypt while he follows a CBF‑managed rehabilitation plan.
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti has kept Neymar in the official 26‑man roster, said he will not replace any selected player, and expressed belief Neymar could be ready for the first match or, if not, the second.
- Santos initially reported the problem as an oedema and said it sent medical reports to the CBF, a discrepancy that prompted questions about communication even as the club backs the joint treatment plan.
- The injury forces Brazil to weigh last‑minute medical clearances and FIFA’s replacement deadline before the June 13 opener against Morocco and raises practical concerns about match load, squad tactics and Neymar’s pursuit of a first World Cup in his fourth tournament.