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Blow to Brazil? Neymar faces fresh injury concerns weeks to World Cup finals
21st May, 2026 08:28 AM
Neymar has encountered yet another fitness problem just weeks before the FIFA World Cup gets underway, raising fresh concerns for Brazil ahead of their opening fixture against Morocco.
The 34-year-old Santos FC forward was absent from Wednesday’s Copa Sudamericana clash at home to San Lorenzo after picking up a calf problem. Despite the setback, Santos moved quickly to calm fears over the seriousness of the injury.
Club physician Rodrigo Zogaib explained that the attacker is still expected to join Brazil’s first training camp on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in good condition.
Neymar’s situation
According to Brazilian media outlet O Globo, Zogaib stated: “Neymar will report to the national team fit or very close to being fit. There is even a chance he could play against Deportivo Cuenca next Tuesday.”
Brazil’s record scorer, with 79 goals from 128 appearances for the national side, Neymar has not represented Brazil since October 2023. His last international outing ended painfully after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.
Since then, the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. star has battled repeated injury issues. After rejoining Santos in January last year, he has scored 17 times in 38 matches across all competitions.
New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted on Monday that Neymar’s selection in the 26-player World Cup squad was influenced more by his physical recovery and experience than recent performances. His selection raised eyebrows as rising stars such as Joao Pedro of Chelsea were given a cold shoulder by the Italian tactician.
Neymar’s selection
“It was always a physical issue for him,” the Italian coach explained. “He played the last few matches consistently. He can improve his physical condition before the first World Cup match. Experience in this type of competition and the affection he has within the group can help create the best atmosphere.”
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada between Thursday, June 11, and Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Brazil will launch their Group C campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday, June 13, 2026, before later facing Haiti and Scotland.
