Brazil are preparing for the possibility of being without Neymar for the entire FIFA World Cup group stage as the team’s medical staff focus on ensuring the veteran forward is fully fit for the latter stages of the tournament.According to an ESPN report cited by Goal. com, Brazil’s management is keen to avoid any setbacks that could bring Neymar’s World Cup campaign to an early end. The striker was absent from Brazil’s opening match against Morocco, which finished in a 1-1 draw, and the immediate priority is to have him ready for a potential return in the knockout rounds.Also Read: Brazil to win FIFA World Cup 2026? The biggest upset in World Cup history may be comingThe report said Brazil’s medical team believes a cautious approach is the best option and there are growing indications that Neymar will not be risked in Saturday’s group-stage clash against Haiti.The 32-year-old is continuing his recovery from a grade-two calf injury suffered while playing for Santos on May 17. Although he has increased his workload in the gym in recent weeks, he remains some way from being match fit and has not yet rejoined his teammates for full training sessions on the pitch.Neymar may be allowed to undertake individual work on the field, but he will only be cleared for full team training once doctors are satisfied that he is completely free of pain. The Brazilian has been out of competitive action for more than a month and concerns remain over his lack of match sharpness as the coaching staff consider the next steps.Brazil are understood to be following an internal plan designed to have Neymar ready for the knockout stages. Under that scenario, he could miss all of the team’s group matches, including the fixture against Scotland in Miami on June 24. Whether that strategy remains in place could also depend on Brazil’s results, with any downturn in form potentially forcing a rethink.Click here to read latest developments on FIFA World Cup 2026Head coach Carlo Ancelotti wants Neymar available but is unwilling to take risks with the player’s fitness. Speaking recently, as quoted by Goal. com, Ancelotti said, "Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. When we called up Neymar, we did it not just because of his technical quality, which is undeniable. But also because of his experience, he could represent an example for the younger players on the team."Brazil’s medical staff have also not ruled out carrying out fresh imaging tests to determine whether intensive treatment has fully healed the injury. The findings could influence whether Neymar is moved more quickly towards a place in the starting line-up or continues with his rehabilitation programme.The uncertainty surrounding Neymar comes after Brazil made an uneven start to their World Cup campaign in New Jersey. Vinicius Junior scored a fine equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Morocco, but the performance raised fresh questions about a side attempting to reclaim football’s biggest prize.Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup crown and their first since lifting the trophy 24 years ago. The country has turned to Ancelotti, one of the most successful coaches in football, in an effort to end that long wait. The Italian has become the first foreign manager to lead Brazil at a World Cup.The scale of the task facing Ancelotti was highlighted by Brazil’s fifth-place finish in South American qualifying. Even so, the coach has maintained that his squad has the quality to challenge any opponent in the expanded 48-team tournament.For now, however, Brazil must continue without their all-time leading goalscorer. Neymar, who has not represented his country since 2023, remains focused on recovering from the calf injury that has delayed the start of his World Cup campaign.Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 FixtureBrazil vs. Morocco (June 14) - 1-1 drawBrazil vs. Haiti: June 20, 2026, at 06:00 AM IST (Philadelphia Stadium)Brazil vs. Scotland: June 25, 2026, at 03:30 AM IST (Atlanta Stadium)