Neymar
AM (CF)
Wide Forward
Feb 5, 1992 (34)
Right
5'9"
150 lb
Takes first step in recovery
Neymar (calf) took to the pitch for the first time since joining the Brazil squad, completing light running, physical preparation and physiotherapy work on Tuesday, though he has yet to return to ball work, according to Pedro Ivo Almeida.
Analysis: Neymar's first outdoor activity since arriving at the tournament camp is an encouraging development after the grade two calf tear raised serious doubts over his involvement in the competition. The absence of ball work indicates his recovery remains in its early stages, with the medical staff taking a patient approach rather than rushing him back before he is ready. Brazil will hope the veteran forward can build sufficient fitness to contribute at some point during the tournament, with Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha leading the attack in the meantime.
Still working in recovery
Neymar (calf) is unlikely to be an option for Friday's contest versus Haiti as he still needs more time to fully recover from his injury, Raisa Simplicio of Goal Brazil reports.
Analysis: Neymar might not be heavily involved in the World Cup group stage, likely seeing limited minutes once he's available to play. The veteran could offer a talented backup asset behind Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha, but his fitness struggles raise doubts about whether that will be a considerable scenario throughout the competition.
Expected to return vs. Haiti
Neymar (calf) is expected to return to team training Monday with an eye toward being available for the match against Haiti on Friday, June 19, according to Caio Dantas of Globo Esporte.
Analysis: Neymar was spotted in street clothes in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Morocco, but the attacking midfielder is set to return to training Monday. He'll have four days to prove he's fit enough to play Haiti, and Brazil could use his creative spark after a lackluster showing in the opener. His involvement in training in the early days of next week will ultimately determine whether he's ready to play.
Working in gym
Neymar (calf) is going to miss the World Cup opener, but will be on the bench even though he isn't fit to play, per Andre Hernan.
Analysis: Neymar has already been ruled out for the opener and is still working on his recovery in the gym. Despite being ruled out he's still set to be named on the bench for the opener, though he won't be available to appear. The winger has been injured frequently in the latter portions of his career and it's unclear how fit he will be at any point during what is likely his final World Cup.
Out for opener, doubt to face Haiti
Neymar (calf) is out for Saturday's match against Morocco and is doubtful for the match against Haiti on June 19, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti, per Matias Wodner of Marca. "Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he will recover & rejoin the group next week. When we call up Neymar, we call him not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience & the example he can set for the young players in this group."
Analysis: Neymar will end up missing the opener after weeks of speculation, as the attacker is not yet fit enough after working through a calf injury. That said, the Brazilian has yet to even train fully, as he will instead try to do so next week, hoping that is enough to face Haiti. The main concern moving forward will be his match fitness, needing to get him ready for the world's highest stage of football. With his availability in doubt for the match against Haiti, a return against Scotland on June 24 seems more likely at the moment.
Doubt for entire group stage
Neymar (calf) has not yet trained on the pitch in boots during Brazil's preparation camp and is now a doubt not only for Saturday's World Cup opener against Morocco but also potentially for the entire group stage, according to RTVE.
Analysis: Neymar shared gym session photos on social media Thursday as part of his ongoing rehabilitation, but has been spending the majority of his time in physiotherapy and working in running shoes rather than boots. Coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to call up the star despite his ongoing injury had already raised eyebrows, and the latest update suggests Brazil will need to manage without their iconic forward for the foreseeable future, with his participation at any point in the competition now far from guaranteed.
MRI shows progress
Neymar (calf) is showing "good evolution" from his injury following an MRI, according to the Brazilian Federation, per Globo.com. "Neymar underwent an MRI on Monday, and tests showed a good evolution in his treatment, within the expected parameters. He will follow the recovery preparation process planned by the medical commission of the Brazilian National Team".
Analysis: Neymar is still in recovery following a calf injury and is nearing a return to play, although his option for the opener still seems unlikely. The winger was deemed to have shown progress in his recovery and to be evolving well as he attempts a comeback, hopefully leaving him available sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, he seems more than likely to be sat for the highly anticipated opener against Morocco, not wanting to be risked for the rest of the tournament. However, he should still be an option for the group stage, a major relief for Brazil after leaving Joao Pedro behind.
Will undergo MRI on Monday
Neymar (calf) will undergo an MRI on Monday, but manager Carlo Ancelotti said he's confident he'll return to training with the group next week, according to Adriana Garcia of ESPN. "He's doing a great job on his own. After the weekend, he'll have an MRI scan and then, if everything goes well, he can train with the squad next week," Ancelotti said during Friday's press conference.
Analysis: The MRI will be key to determining whether the 34-year-old forward will have a shot at being fit for the World Cup opener against Morocco on Saturday, June 13. Neymar is the all-time leading scorer for the Brazilian national team with 79 goals, and his presence in the squad would be a huge boost in a final third that also features elite talent such as Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. Following the game against Morocco on June 13, Brazil will also Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24 to close out the group stage.
Continues calf recovery
Neymar (calf) will not travel with the Brazil delegation to Cleveland and will remain in New Jersey to continue his physiotherapy treatment and intensify his physical recovery program, the CBF confirmed, according to Vene Casagrande.
Analysis: Neymar's absence from the squad for the Cleveland fixture is the latest indication that the Brazilian star is not yet ready to feature in competitive action, with his availability for the opening group stage fixtures remaining in serious doubt. Coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously described his progress as positive and indicated there was no rush with his return, but the decision to keep him behind for treatment rather than travel with the group underlines the cautious approach being taken with the veteran attacker. Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to continue leading Brazil's attack in his absence while Neymar works toward full fitness ahead of the tournament.
Won't be rushed
Neymar (calf) is targeting a return during the World Cup group stage, but Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has commented that he's "progressing well, he's doing well, we're in no rush", per beIN Sports.
Analysis: Neymar currently has little chances of making the starting lineup for the opening pair or fixtures in the international competition, as he won't be risked to a worsening of his injury. He's still expected to see minutes of play though, offering talent and experience across the front line. While the veteran attacker continues to recover from his ankle blow, players like Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli will look to make an offensive impact in extended performances.
World Cup opening in doubt
Neymar (calf) suffered a new injury and will be sidelined for two to three weeks, with tests confirming the extent of the setback, according to AS. "Neymar reported for duty at Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests and finished with an MRI scan, which revealed a grade 2 muscle strain. The player is continuing his treatment, and we expect him to be cleared to play in two to three weeks."
Analysis: Neymar's latest injury blow rules him out of Brazil's remaining friendly matches ahead of the tournament and puts his availability for the World Cup opener against Morocco in serious doubt. The grade two calf tear carries a two to three week recovery window, which could also threaten his involvement in the second group stage fixture against Haiti, with his participation against Scotland in the final group match equally uncertain at this stage. Coach Carlo Ancelotti had made headlines worldwide by including Neymar in his 26-man squad despite the star's limited competitive action in recent years, and the injury now casts serious doubt over his ability to contribute meaningfully during the group stage. Brazil's medical staff are providing intensive treatment and monitoring his condition closely as the tournament opener approaches.
Likely to miss friendlies
Neymar (calf) is unlikely to compete in Brazil's pre-World Cup friendlies due to injury, according to Liberta Depre.
Analysis: Neymar is still dealing with his calf injury, and it seems he will not be risked ahead of the World Cup, with the forward likely to sit out on their friendlies. The situation will be monitored closely, as they will not want him carrying the injury into the tournament, already a injury-prone player either way. Brazil will kick off the World Cup on June 13 against Morocco, hopeful to have their star fit by then.
Dealing with minor calf injury
Neymar sustained a small calf edema during Sunday's 3-0 defeat against Coritiba but is expected to be delivered fit to the Brazilian national team camp on May 27, according to Santos team doctor Rodrigo Zogaib, per Ana Canhedo of Globo. "Neymar has a small calf injury, an edema. The plan, following his evolution, is to deliver him fit next week to the CBF."
Analysis: Neymar suffered a two-millimeter edema that requires five to 10 days of treatment, making his involvement with Santos before the international camp unlikely despite technically being able to feature against Deportivo Cuenca on Tuesday. Neymar has been receiving treatment at the CT Rei Pele training complex under close monitoring from both the club and the CBF, and the positive prognosis is a relief for coach Carlo Ancelotti heading into the World Cup. The Brazilian star contributed six goals and four assists across 15 appearances for Santos this campaign, 10 of which he played the full 90 minutes.
Called up for World Cup
Neymar has been included in Brazil's World Cup squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti, marking a significant return to the international stage for the star, according to the CBF.
Analysis: Neymar has built up his fitness in recent months, scoring four goals and two assists across his last eight league appearances (eight starts) for Santos in the Brazilian league, averaging 86 minutes per game and earning a place in the team of the round on one occasion. His inclusion in the squad is a major development given his lengthy absence from international football through injury, and coach Ancelotti clearly believes he has shown enough in his return to club action to merit a place in the final 26-man roster for a tournament that could represent one of the last chapters of his illustrious international career.
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