Neymar's long-awaited return to the World Cup stage has hit another roadblock. Just days after being named in Brazil's final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the veteran forward has been ruled out of the Selecao's upcoming friendlies with a calf injury that could also jeopardize his availability for their tournament opener against Morocco.
The 34-year-old, who has spent much of the past three years battling fitness issues, is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks after scans revealed a grade-two calf strain. The setback leaves Brazil sweating over the fitness of their all-time leading scorer ahead of their Group C campaign, which begins on June 13 in New Jersey.
Neymar ruled out of Brazil friendlies after fresh injury setback
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the extent of Neymar's injury
during a press conference, revealing that an MRI scan detected a partial tear in the calf muscle rather than simple swelling.
"Neymar underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade two calf injury, not just swelling. He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks," Lasmar explained.
As a result, Neymar will miss Brazil's friendlies against Panama and Egypt, depriving manager Carlo Ancelotti of a crucial opportunity to reintegrate the forward into the national setup.
The diagnosis also contradicted earlier assessments from Santos, where club doctor Rodrigo Zogaib had suggested the issue was limited to swelling and would not prevent Neymar from joining Brazil's preparations.
Neymar's difficult road back to the World Cup
For Neymar, the latest setback is merely the newest chapter in a recovery journey that has tested both his body and resilience.
The Brazilian superstar has not represented his country since October 2023, when a devastating ACL and meniscus injury suffered against Uruguay abruptly halted his international career. The injury sidelined him for more than a year and derailed what was supposed to be a marquee spell with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
After struggling to regain rhythm and fitness in Saudi Arabia, Neymar's contract was eventually terminated, paving the way for an emotional return to his boyhood club Santos in January 2025.
While the move reignited hopes of one final dance in Brazil colors, the road has remained anything but smooth.
Shortly after earning a surprise World Cup call-up from Ancelotti, Neymar suffered another muscle injury during training with Santos, leaving him in a race against time once again.
Why Carlo Ancelotti still put his faith in Neymar
Despite the lengthy injury history, Ancelotti remained convinced Neymar deserved a place on the plane.
The Italian, who took charge of Brazil last year, revealed that the coaching staff had spent months monitoring the forward's progress before making their decision.
"We spent the entire year analysing Neymar. We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition," Ancelotti said when unveiling his squad in Rio de Janeiro.
The announcement sparked one of the loudest reactions from supporters in attendance, while Neymar himself was visibly emotional after learning he would have the opportunity to compete at a fourth World Cup.
Having previously represented Brazil in 2014, 2018 and 2022, the tournament offers Neymar a chance to complete one of football's most remarkable comeback stories.
Can Neymar be ready for Brazil's World Cup opener?
That question now looms large over Brazil's preparations.
The five-time world champions begin their campaign against Morocco before facing Haiti and Scotland in their remaining group-stage fixtures. While the projected recovery timeline keeps the door open for Neymar's return, there is little margin for error.
For a player whose career has been repeatedly interrupted by cruel twists of fate, another World Cup hanging in the balance feels painfully familiar.
Brazil have waited nearly three years to welcome their talisman back onto the international stage. Whether Neymar can win this latest race against time may ultimately determine how his World Cup story unfolds.
