Neymar to Miss Brazil's World Cup Opener With Calf Injury

Brazil's World Cup campaign faces an immediate challenge as star forward Neymar is confirmed to miss the team's opening group stage match against Morocco. The absence is due to a calf injury, confirmed by Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti on Friday.

"He is working hard to recover as soon as possible," Ancelotti stated. "We hope he can return to full training next week." The match against Morocco is significant, pitting two top-ten teams in the FIFA rankings against each other in the group stage, with Brazil ranked sixth and Morocco eighth.

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He is working hard to recover as soon as possible. We hope he can return to full training next week.

Neymar last played on May 17 in a league match for his club Santos and has missed all of Brazil's World Cup preparations due to the injury. His absence potentially hinders his chance to become the ninth Brazilian player to participate in four World Cups, joining legends like Pelé and Ronaldo. Neymar has a strong World Cup record, with eight goals and four assists in 13 matches.

This is the third World Cup tournament where the 34-year-old Neymar has been sidelined for at least one game due to injury. Teammate Vinicius Junior expressed his support, saying, "He inspires me. I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the field."

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He inspires me. I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the field.