SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - MAY 17: Neymar Junior of Santos gestures during a Brasileirao 2026 match between Santos and Coritiba at Neo Quimica Arena on May 17, 2026 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Neymar out 2-3 weeks with calf injury ahead of World Cup

3 hours ago
Sports Press Photo / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Neymar will miss two-to-three weeks with a calf injury that will disrupt his World Cup preparations.

Brazil's national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the 34-year-old's latest ailment, which could force him to miss the Selecao's tournament opener against Morocco on June 13.

"He arrived at (Brazil's training center) yesterday, underwent a full medical examination, which included an MRI scan that revealed a Grade 2 calf injury, not just swelling," Lasmar said during a press conference, according to Mario Cortegana and Jack Lang of The Athletic. "He is expected to be fit to play in two-to-three weeks."

Neymar was included in Carlo Ancelotti's tournament squad despite not featuring for Brazil since October 2023, when he tore his ACL in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.

He's been sidelined by his current calf issue since May 17, when he suffered the injury with club side Santos.

Brazil's all-time leading scorer downplayed concerns about his availability for the World Cup earlier this week. Asked about his latest injury while watching Santos' Copa Sudamericana match, he offered a quick "what problem?" retort, according to ESPN.

Brazil will prepare for the World Cup with pre-tournament friendlies against Panama and Egypt.

Along with Morocco, the five-time world champion will also take on Haiti (June 19) and Scotland (June 24) in Group C.

XRedditFacebookWhatsAppEmailSMS
MORE STORIES