After missing Brazil’s FIFA World Cup opener, Neymar underwent a fresh medical evaluation on Monday as he continues his recovery from a Grade 2 calf strain in his right leg. According to Brazilian media reports, the star forward is now unlikely to feature against Haiti in Brazil’s second Group C match on Friday.
The 34-year-old has endured a difficult spell with injuries and has not played for the national team since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October 2023. Since then, he has faced a series of setbacks, the latest being the calf strain that ruled him out of Brazil’s opening match against Morocco on Sunday (IST).
Despite his recent injury struggles, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances. He previously represented the Seleção at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups and is hoping to feature in his fourth edition of the tournament.
According to Brazilian newspaper O Globo, Neymar underwent new imaging tests to assess the healing of his calf injury. While the results were considered satisfactory, they were not enough for the medical staff to clear him for the next stage of his recovery, as they do not want to risk aggravating the injury.
The report added that Neymar continues to be monitored by the Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF) medical department and is currently undergoing supplementary weight-training sessions. However, he has yet to begin on-field physical conditioning or train with the ball alongside his teammates.
Last week, the CBF issued an update following an MRI scan, stating that Neymar’s recovery was “within the expected parameters” and that he would continue receiving treatment under a tailored rehabilitation programme.
Brazil will play their remaining Group C fixtures against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday before taking on Scotland in Miami on June 24.