Brazil issues update on Neymar’s recovery ahead of World Cup
Brazilian forward Neymar Jr is showing encouraging signs in his recovery from injury as he races against time to be available for the FIFA World Cup, according to an update released by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
The latest assessment followed an MRI examination conducted to evaluate the progress of the 34-year-old’s rehabilitation from a grade-two calf injury in his right leg.
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In a statement on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the federation indicated that his recovery is progressing as anticipated and remains on course with medical expectations.
Neymar’s progress
CBF noted that Neymar will continue following a specialised treatment and rehabilitation plan designed by the team’s medical staff. However, no specific timeline was provided regarding his return to competitive action.
The statement read: “The athlete Neymar underwent an MRI scan this Monday. The examination showed good progress in his treatment, within the expected parameters. He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”
Reports from Brazilian media suggest that the experienced attacker is unlikely to feature in Brazil’s opening World Cup fixtures and could miss at least the team’s second group-stage encounter.
Neymar, who holds Brazil’s all-time scoring record with 79 goals from 128 appearances for the national team, has not represented the Seleção since suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in October 2023.
Brazil’s team physician, Rodrigo Lasmar, recently explained that Neymar underwent a series of medical evaluations upon joining the squad, including an MRI scan that revealed a muscle strain rather than the swelling that had initially been suspected. The medical staff expects him to resume full activities after completing his recovery period.
The injury traces back to Santos’ 3-0 defeat against Coritiba on Sunday, May 17, 2026, after which the club’s medical team initially diagnosed the issue as swelling in the calf.
Medical examinations conducted at the national team’s training base in Teresópolis confirm that the Santos striker sustained a grade-two strain in his calf muscle. Team doctors estimate that he will require between two and three weeks to recover, making him unavailable for Brazil’s opening Group C clash against Morocco on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
