Neymar's Injury Raises Concerns in Brazil Camp Ahead of World Cup

The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that Neymar, aged 34, who is recovering from an injury to his right calf muscle, did not take part in the closed training session and was sent to a private clinic in Teresópolis for medical examinations.

In an official statement, the federation said, "No further information will be disclosed until the Brazil national team's medical staff complete their evaluations." Neymar's absence quickly became the main focus on the second day of Brazil's preparatory camp for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil is scheduled to hold three more training sessions before facing Panama in a friendly match at Maracanã Stadium on Sunday.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is already missing three players for this match: central defenders Gabriel and Marquinhos, along with forward Gabriel Martinelli, who will participate in the UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.

Neymar's call-up last week generated widespread excitement since he had not been part of Ancelotti's plans during the Italian coach's year in charge.

The all-time top scorer for Brazil with 79 goals in 128 appearances, Neymar has not played for the national team since 2023. His return has sparked questions about his physical fitness and technical level after years of injuries and a disappointing spell at Santos.

The timing of Neymar's injury is particularly sensitive. After the match against Panama, Brazil will play their final friendly in Cleveland, United States, before starting their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. Brazil is in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti.

In an interview with Reuters earlier in May, Ancelotti emphasized that "reputation alone will not guarantee Neymar a spot in the lineup." He stated that the former Spanish star would not receive special treatment, and his place in the team "will strictly depend on his physical fitness and performance, not on sentiment."

Brazil is currently awaiting the medical team's decision on whether their most famous player will be ready to lead the squad next month.