Overview
- The Confederation of Brazilian Football said Thursday that an MRI found a grade II muscle injury in Neymar’s right calf and estimated a two-to-three week recovery window.
- As a result, Neymar will remain in New Jersey for physiotherapy and will not travel with the squad to Cleveland for Brazil’s last friendly against Egypt.
- The forward already missed Brazil’s recent friendly with Panama after suffering a calf 'pinchazo' for Santos on May 17, an issue Santos initially described as an edema.
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti kept Neymar in Brazil’s 26-man World Cup roster and said the squad would not be changed while medical staff continue to monitor his progress.
- Neymar’s recurrent injuries since late 2023 and the overlap between the CBF recovery timeline and Brazil’s group-stage schedule mean his fitness will shape selection and tactics for the first matches.