Neymar ruled out of Brazil's second World Cup match

Brazil's national soccer team announced Thursday that star forward Neymar will be sidelined for their second World Cup match because of a persistent calf injury.

The Brazilian soccer confederation confirmed that the 34-year-old Santos player will not travel with the squad for their upcoming game against Haiti in Philadelphia. He is set to remain in New Jersey to focus on optimizing the final stages of his recovery.

Neymar has been undergoing physical conditioning exercises since returning to the field on Tuesday and rejoined teammates for parts of Wednesday's training session, receiving applause. However, he has not yet participated in full team practices since sustaining the injury to his right leg.

Tests on his right calf were conducted Monday to assess the progress of the injury, which he sustained while playing for Santos on May 17. Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, began their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday in Group C.

There has been considerable discussion in Brazil regarding coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar, who is participating in his fourth World Cup, in the tournament squad.

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He will remain in New Jersey to optimize the final phase of his recovery process.