Neymar a doubt for Brazil’s World Cup opener due to injury

Brazil's World Cup campaign faces an early setback as star forward Neymar is a doubt for the tournament opener due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old Santos player requires two to three weeks of treatment, according to the national team's doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar. This timeline means Neymar will miss Brazil's pre-World Cup friendlies against Panama and Egypt and could also be unavailable for their first group match against Morocco on June 13.

An MRI scan revealed a grade two muscle injury, with Dr. Lasmar expressing hope for his return within the specified recovery period. Neymar joined his teammates at the pre-tournament training center near Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday but was unable to participate in the first session. He had also missed Santos's recent matches due to a minor injury, as noted by his club coach.

The potential absence of Neymar is particularly significant given his recent recall to the national squad. He had not been selected for Brazil in nearly three years, with a combination of injuries and inconsistent form leading to his exclusion. Coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously voiced concerns about Neymar's fitness, leaving him out of the squads for March friendlies. Despite these issues, Neymar remains Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and is set to participate in his fourth World Cup.

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An MRI scan “identified a grade two muscle injury… our expectation is that he will be available in two to three weeks,”