The Brazilian national team received a worrying blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as the participation of their star Neymar Jr. in the opening match against the Moroccan team became uncertain due to a recent muscle injury.
Rodrigo Lasmar, the doctor of the Brazilian team, revealed that medical examinations showed the Santos striker has a grade two muscle tear in his calf, explaining that his expected absence could be between two to three weeks before he regains full fitness.
“Seleção” will be deprived of their captain’s services during two friendly matches against Panama and Egypt, scheduled as part of the World Cup preparation program, which raises doubts about his ability to participate in the match against Morocco on June 13.
Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti had reinstated Neymar to the Brazilian national squad after a long absence of more than two years, in a move aimed at benefiting from his experience before competing in the World Cup finals for the fourth time in his international career.
The Brazilian star arrived at the national team camp in Teresópolis near Rio de Janeiro but only observed the first training session without participating due to his injury.
Neymar’s last official appearance for Brazil dates back to October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury during the match against Uruguay in the World Cup qualifiers.
