By Amaechi Agbo
Brazil have suffered a major setback ahead of their World Cup campaign after Neymar Jr was ruled out of the Selecao’s upcoming international friendlies and is now expected to miss their opening match of the tournament following a calf injury.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Thursday that scans carried out on the 34-year-old forward revealed a Grade 2 calf strain, dealing a fresh injury blow to the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar disclosed the extent of the injury during a press conference at Granja Comary, explaining that Neymar would require at least two to three weeks on the sidelines.
“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,” Lasmar said.
The diagnosis came after Neymar complained of swelling in his right calf and missed Wednesday’s training session before undergoing imaging tests at a private clinic in Teresopolis.
According to Lasmar, the MRI revealed a moderate muscle tear rather than simple swelling as initially suggested by Santos, Neymar’s club side. Santos doctor Rodrigo Zogaib had earlier maintained that the forward would be fit to resume training with the national team this week.
Instead, the latest development means Neymar will miss Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracana as well as Brazil’s clash with Egypt in Cleveland.
More significantly, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is now highly unlikely to feature in Brazil’s World Cup opener against African champions Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.
Brazil are drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
The injury is another frustrating chapter in Neymar’s recent career struggles. Despite scoring 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, the forward has battled recurring fitness issues in recent years and has struggled to rediscover top form since returning to Santos.
His recall to the national team last week had sparked excitement among Brazilian fans, especially as new coach Carlo Ancelotti had not included him in his plans during the Italian manager’s first year in charge.
Ancelotti, however, had made it clear in an interview with Reuters earlier this month that Neymar would earn his place purely on merit.
“Neymar will receive no special treatment,” Ancelotti reportedly said, insisting selection would depend on fitness and form rather than reputation.
Brazil are already facing selection headaches with defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, as well as forward Gabriel Martinelli, unavailable for Sunday’s fixture due to their involvement in last weekend’s UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
For now, Ancelotti must prepare for Brazil’s World Cup journey without one of the country’s greatest football icons.
