Overview
- The Brazilian Football Confederation said an MRI on Monday showed Neymar is making good progress in recovery from a grade‑2 right‑calf strain.
- Neymar has been kept in Carlo Ancelotti’s 26‑man World Cup squad and is following an individualized program that includes anti‑gravity treadmill work to reduce impact on the calf.
- Brazil do not expect him to feature in the June 13 opener against Morocco and are instead aiming for a possible return in the second group match on June 19, though no firm return date has been set.
- Neymar missed both pre‑tournament friendlies and remained at the New Jersey base to continue rehab, a decision that preserves his chances later in the tournament but limits his immediate match availability.
- Keeping Neymar in the squad shapes Ancelotti’s selection choices and tactics now and could shift Brazil’s plan to use him as a later matchday impact player rather than force an early start.