Neymar Undergoes New Tests for Calf Injury Ahead of World Cup Matches

Neymar, currently with the Brazilian national team in New Jersey for the World Cup, underwent further medical examinations on Monday to evaluate his grade II right calf injury. A source from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the tests.

The Santos forward, who suffered the injury on May 17, has been undergoing a recovery process that includes gym work. He has not yet participated in team training sessions under coach Carlo Ancelotti. The coach opted to include Neymar in the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup despite his ongoing absence from play.

Neymar missed Brazil's recent friendlies against Panama and Egypt, as well as the team's opening Group C match against Morocco, which ended in a 1-1 draw. He watched this match from the bench. Ancelotti had previously indicated he hoped to see Neymar back on the field with his teammates this week.

However, Neymar's absence from Monday's training session casts doubt on his availability for Brazil's second group stage match against Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia. The 34-year-old attacker has not played for the senior national team since October 17, 2023, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay in Montevideo.