Carlo Ancelotti will be without key forward Neymar for Brazil’s preliminary matches leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Reports indicate that the veteran player may also miss the tournament’s opening fixture.
Neymar’s Injury Update Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Neymar, who Ancelotti confirmed would be part of the World Cup squad earlier this month, has been playing for his childhood club Santos in Brazil since January. However, injuries have continued to limit his playing time.
Rodrigo Lasmar, the doctor for the Brazilian national team, has stated that Neymar will be sidelined for an additional two to three weeks due to a grade-two calf strain. “Neymar arrived at Granja Comary yesterday and underwent all tests, including an MRI, which revealed a grade two calf injury, not just edema. The expectation is that he will be released in two to three weeks,” Lasmar stated.
This means Neymar will miss Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 6. He is also expected to be unavailable for Brazil’s first World Cup match against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Neymar’s target is to return for Brazil’s second tournament game against Haiti on June 20.
English Translation:
Carlo Ancelotti will have to manage without star attacker Neymar for Brazil’s warm-up matches leading up to the 2026 World Cup. The former Barcelona and PSG player might also have to miss the tournament’s opening game.
Neymar Out for Two to Three Weeks Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Ancelotti confirmed Neymar’s inclusion in the World Cup squad during his announcement earlier this month. Despite returning to his boyhood club Santos in Brazil last January, injuries have continued to affect the veteran’s game time.
Now, the Brazilian national team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, has confirmed that Neymar will be sidelined for another two to three weeks due to a grade-two calf strain. “Neymar came to Granja Comary yesterday, underwent all the tests, which concluded with an MRI showing a grade two calf injury, not just an edema. The expectation is that he will be released in two to three weeks,” Lasmar confirmed.
Consequently, he will miss Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 6. He is also expected to be unavailable for Brazil’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup, which is against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 13. Neymar will instead be aiming to feature in Brazil’s second game of the tournament, against Haiti on June 20.
