Lula mocks 'work-from-home' Neymar as Brazil wait on injured number 10

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva playfully mocked injured star player Neymar, calling him the national team's first "work-from-home" player during an event announcing oncology investments. "Neymar isn't even playing, man. Neymar is the world's first 'work-from-home' national team player," Lula quipped, drawing laughter.

Neymar, who has been recovering from a calf injury for a month, missed Brazil's opening World Cup match against Morocco and their subsequent game against Haiti. He remained at the team's training base in New Jersey to follow an individual recovery plan, aiming to be fit for the final group game against Scotland.

Despite his absence from matches, Neymar has been actively participating in physical and ball-handling drills. Coach Carlo Ancelotti indicated that Neymar would be reintegrated into the squad for the Scotland game, though his actual availability remains uncertain. The 34-year-old forward is reportedly training twice daily to accelerate his recovery, with Ancelotti set to assess his condition before making a final decision.

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Neymar isn't even playing, man. Neymar is the world's first 'work-from-home' national team player. A work-from-home player.