Brazil's star forward Neymar will not play in his country's upcoming friendly matches. He might also miss their World Cup opener due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old faces a recovery period of two to three weeks. This setback affects Brazil's final preparations for the global tournament.
The injury is a grade two calf strain. This is a moderate muscle tear requiring rest and rehabilitation. Neymar sustained the injury after complaining of swelling in his right calf. Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the diagnosis after medical tests. Neymar had joined the team on Tuesday but missed the first training session.
This news comes as Brazil prepares for the World Cup. They are five-time winners and are in Group C. Brazil begins their campaign on June 13 against Morocco. They will then face Haiti on June 19. Their final group match is against Scotland on June 24. Neymar has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances for Brazil.
Doctor Lasmar stated, "Neymar underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade two calf injury, not just swelling." He added, "He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks." Neymar's previous injury history includes a back injury in the 2014 World Cup. That injury forced him off on a stretcher during a quarter-final match.
Several other players are unavailable for the initial friendly matches. Arsenal defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli are out. They played in the Champions League final on May 30. PSG captain Marquinhos is also unavailable for the same reason. Manager Carlo Ancelotti had selected Neymar for the squad. He was chosen ahead of strikers Joao Pedro and Richarlison.
The injury raises concerns about Neymar's form and fitness for the World Cup. He has experienced injury struggles in recent years. Ancelotti had noted Neymar's improved continuity and good physical condition recently. Fans cheered loudly when Neymar's name was announced at the squad ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
Manager Ancelotti, appointed last year, expressed confidence in Neymar. He had said, "We spent the entire year analysing Neymar." He also noted, "We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition." The team now faces uncertainty regarding their star player's availability for the crucial opening match.