UPDATE: A follow-up MRI conducted Monday showed progress consistent with expectations, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation, and he will continue his rehabilitation and conditioning program under the supervision of the national team's medical staff. However, the biggest concern is that Neymar has not yet returned to training with the squad just days before Brazil's first match
Neymar is expected to miss up to three weeks after suffering a Grade 2 strain in his right calf.
The Brazilian forward has not played since May 17 because of the injury.
Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed Thursday that Neymar underwent additional medical testing after reporting to Brazil’s training center at Granja Comary.
“Neymar reported for duty yesterday at Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests, and we finished with an MRI scan, which revealed a Grade 2 muscle strain,” Lasmar said.
Status
Out up to three weeks
Grade 2 right calf strain
World Cup opener in doubt
Further recovery updates expected before June 13
World Cup Outlook
There is now a realistic chance Neymar could miss Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 13.
Neymar has not appeared for Brazil since suffering a torn ACL during international duty in October 2023. His inclusion on Brazil’s World Cup roster was viewed as a surprise after a lengthy recovery process.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti previously left Neymar out of earlier squads, repeatedly stating he would only select fully healthy players.
Pro Football Doc Analysis
According to David Chao, Pro Football Doc, the reported 2-3 week recovery timeline could ultimately turn into a much longer absence, adding that the player is unlikely to be fully healthy for the entirety of the tournament.
The primary concern for Neymar is less about structural damage and more about soft-tissue fatigue management entering the World Cup.
Calf strains can significantly affect explosiveness, acceleration, and cutting ability, particularly for older players with recent lower-body injury history.
At 33 years old and coming off a previous ACL injury, workload management becomes increasingly important because soft-tissue injuries often recur when players return before regaining full conditioning and recovery capacity.
Bottom Line
Neymar is expected to miss up to three weeks with a Grade 2 calf strain, placing his availability for Brazil’s World Cup opener in doubt.
Brazil’s medical staff is expected to take a cautious approach with the tournament approaching, especially given Neymar’s recent injury history and the risk of aggravating the calf strain.
