Brazil’s Neymar sidelined for Egypt clash, undergoes ‘intensive physiotherapy’ for calf injury

Brazil will be without star forward Neymar for their final FIFA World Cup warm-up match against Egypt after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that the veteran attacker will remain at the team’s training base in New Jersey to continue treatment on a calf injury.

The 34-year-old has been ruled out of Saturday’s friendly in Cleveland as Brazil’s medical staff focus on accelerating his recovery ahead of the World Cup. Rather than travelling with the squad, Neymar will undergo intensive physiotherapy and physical recovery work under close supervision.

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Neymar has not featured for nearly three weeks after suffering a grade-two calf strain while playing for Santos against Coritiba in the Brazilian league. The injury has sidelined him from both club and international action, prompting Brazil to adopt a cautious approach with one of their most important players ahead of the tournament.

According to the CBF, Neymar is continuing a specialised rehabilitation programme designed to help him regain full fitness as quickly as possible. Despite concerns surrounding his availability, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains confident the forward will be ready to play a role during the World Cup.

“To be clear, Neymar is going to be with us. We think he can recover for the first match [against Morocco] and, if not, for the second [against Haiti]. No doubt that these 26 players are going to play in the World Cup,” Ancelotti said ahead of Brazil’s previous friendly against Panama, as quoted by Goal.com.

The Italian coach has reportedly also held individual discussions with Neymar regarding his tactical role at the tournament, underlining the importance of the forward in Brazil’s plans despite his injury setback.

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

Brazil’s clash against Egypt will offer Ancelotti a final opportunity to assess his squad before the Selecao open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13. They will then face Haiti on June 19 before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Scotland on June 24.

With the tournament fast approaching, Brazil will be hoping Neymar’s recovery continues on track as they chase a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title.