Overview
- Neymar did not travel to Cleveland for Saturday’s friendly with Egypt and remains at Brazil’s New Jersey training base receiving intensified physiotherapy under CBF supervision.
- Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has diagnosed a grade‑2 calf strain that sidelined Neymar for recent warm‑ups and carries a typical two‑to‑three week recovery estimate.
- Brazil have scheduled an MRI for Monday to reassess the calf and to decide if Neymar can rejoin full group training before the World Cup opener.
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti has kept Neymar in the 26‑man squad and expressed confidence in his return while Brazil weigh replacement options up to FIFA’s 24‑hour pre‑match deadline.
- Differences between initial club comments and CBF scans prompted closer national‑team oversight and leave Brazil facing tactical adjustments and possible reduced minutes for Neymar if he returns late.