Neymar Ruled Out for Two to Three Weeks After Grade II Calf Lesion

Overview

• Brazil’s medical staff said Thursday that an MRI found a grade II muscle lesion in Neymar’s left calf and that he will be sidelined for two to three weeks while he follows intensive treatment and is monitored day to day.
• Because of the expected recovery time, Neymar will miss Brazil’s remaining warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt and is unlikely to be fit for the Seleção’s opening match at the World Cup.
• Santos published a note saying it shared all Neymar’s tests with the Brazilian Football Confederation through May 18 and that its medical team followed CBF protocols, while the club’s earlier description of the problem as a minor oedema has come under scrutiny.
• Brazilian media and fans have sharply criticized the handling of the case, with questions about transparency putting pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti and raising the possibility that the federation will replace Neymar on the roster before the tournament if he cannot start.
• The injury ends a tense, high-profile comeback attempt for Neymar, who has not played for Brazil since October 2023; a grade II calf lesion typically requires multiple weeks of rehab and can meaningfully alter a 34-year-old player’s availability for a short tournament window.