May 29, 2026 | 01:43 pm
Neymar. Shutterstock
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Brazilian star Neymar is set to miss two national team friendlies and is at risk of being sidelined for Brazil’s World Cup 2026 opening match after suffering a calf injury.“Neymar reported for duty yesterday here at Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade-two calf injury, not just swelling. He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks,” said Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, as quoted by beIN on Thursday.The condition means Neymar will definitely miss Brazil’s friendly against Panama on Monday (1 June) and the match against Egypt (7 June) in Cleveland, Ohio.A grade two calf injury is a moderate muscle tear involving partial damage to muscle fibers, requiring rest and rehabilitation.Brazil are set to begin their Group C World Cup campaign on 14 June against Morocco in New Jersey. The five-time world champions will then face Haiti in Philadelphia on 20 June and Scotland in Miami on 25 June.Neymar had only recently joined the Brazil squad on Tuesday. However, he missed the first training session the following day after complaining of pain in his right calf and immediately underwent medical tests.His absence adds to head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s concerns. For the match against Panama, Ancelotti will also be without Arsenal defender Gabriel and forward Gabriel Martinelli, as both are set to feature in the Champions League final on 30 May against Paris Saint-Germain. Brazil and PSG captain Marquinhos is also unavailable for the same reason.Neymar last played for Brazil in 2023 before being hit by a series of injuries. Despite this, the 79-goal scorer in 128 international appearances was still included in the World Cup squad, ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison.If he recovers in time, Neymar could feature in his fourth World Cup after previously appearing in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions.Read: Messi Set for Sixth World Cup as Argentina Announce Final Squad
