Brazilian football superstar Neymar has suffered a fresh calf injury just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, casting doubt on his participation in the tournament. The 34-year-old forward, who recently returned to his boyhood club Santos, sustained what the club described as a minor calf problem during training.
Neymar's Injury Details
According to Santos head of medical services Rodrigo Zogaib, the injury is a minor calf oedema. Zogaib stated that based on their planning, Neymar's progress will allow him to be fit next week when he is scheduled to join up with the Brazilian national team camp. The injury forced Neymar to miss Santos' dramatic 2-2 draw with San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana.
Brazil's World Cup Preparations
Brazil's preparations for the World Cup have heavily revolved around Neymar's fitness. New head coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to include the experienced forward in his final squad on Monday, a decision that sparked celebrations among Brazilian fans. Neymar has not featured for Brazil since 2023 and missed much of the qualifying campaign due to repeated injury problems that also disrupted his spell with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C. They are also scheduled to play warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt before the tournament begins on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Neymar's Importance to Brazil
Despite his injury struggles, Neymar remains one of the most important figures in Brazilian football history. He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and is still viewed by many supporters as the player capable of inspiring the Selecao to a record-extending sixth World Cup title. Ancelotti has backed the Santos forward, insisting that Neymar's recent progress and experience could still make a major difference on football's biggest stage.
Joao Pedro on Standby
Neymar's latest injury scare has reopened the conversation around Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, who was one of the biggest omissions from Brazil's World Cup squad. Pedro enjoyed an impressive season in England after joining Chelsea from Brighton and Hove Albion, scoring 20 goals and contributing nine assists in all competitions. Many Brazilian supporters questioned why the forward was left out despite his excellent form, especially considering Neymar's uncertain physical condition. Brazilian media reports suggest Pedro remains on standby, with Ancelotti monitoring Neymar's recovery closely.
Pressure on Ancelotti
Ancelotti's decision to recall Neymar was already viewed as a major gamble given the player's recent injury history. The Italian coach is under huge pressure to deliver success at the World Cup after taking over the Brazilian national team project last year. Questions remain over whether Neymar can cope physically with the intensity of a month-long World Cup campaign after enduring several injury-plagued seasons.
Emotional Neymar Over World Cup Selection
Neymar was left emotional after learning he had been included in Brazil's World Cup squad by Ancelotti. The former PSG forward reportedly cried for hours following the announcement as he prepared for what could be the final World Cup appearance of his glittering career.
