Neymar misses Brazil training ahead of FIFA World Cup after calf injury scare, fitness doubts continue

Brazilian star Neymar Jr missed the national team’s first training session ahead of the FIFA World Cup after undergoing further medical tests on a bruised right calf, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

The forward, who has been sidelined since May 17 following an injury sustained during Santos FC’s defeat to Coritiba, reported to the Brazil camp in Teresópolis but did not take part in on-field training. CBF medical staff said additional scans were carried out to determine the extent of the issue.

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According to ESPN, Neymar also underwent an MRI scan, accompanied by Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

Despite the setback, the 32-year-old was earlier seen at Santos’ Copa Sudamericana fixture, where he downplayed concerns about his fitness when asked about the injury, responding: “What problem?”

His availability for Brazil’s first World Cup warm-up match against Panama on Sunday remains uncertain, pending medical results. The team is also scheduled to face Egypt in another preparatory fixture on June 5.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not featured for the national team since suffering an ACL injury in October 2023. He was recently included in the 26-man squad for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This World Cup will mark his fourth appearance on the biggest stage, as Brazil chase a record sixth title after finishing fourth in 2014 and suffering quarter-final exits in the following two editions.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has previously stressed that only fully fit players will be considered for selection, making Neymar’s recovery timeline crucial in the buildup to the tournament.