Neymar trains but likely to miss second World Cup game

Brazilian football star Neymar has resumed training, but his participation in the team's second World Cup match remains highly unlikely. The 34-year-old forward has been dealing with a series of injuries, most recently a calf problem in his right leg.

Neymar trained separately from the rest of the squad on Tuesday, focusing on physical exercises without the ball or contact with teammates. Brazilian media report that coach Ancelotti and his staff are prioritizing his recovery, giving him as much time as possible to heal. He last played for the national team in the autumn of 2023 but was still called up for the World Cup by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Neymar missed Brazil's opening match of the tournament, a 1-1 draw against Morocco. The Seleção's second game is scheduled for June 20 against Haiti in Philadelphia. It is almost certain that Neymar will not feature in this match either, though he might be available for some minutes in the third group game against Scotland on June 25.

With 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer, surpassing the legendary Pelé, who scored 77 goals in official matches.