Despite reports suggesting a minor injury, Neymar Jr. has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 calf injury by doctor Rodrigo Lasmar. Following this, he will officially miss the friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, raising serious doubts about his presence in the anticipated tournament. Neymar Jr. missed the last matches with Santos FC due to a supposed edema in his right calf. As it was considered a minor injury, Brazil called him up for the 2026 World Cup, hoping for him to return to full fitness. However, the 34-year-old star has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 calf injury, more serious than expected. Following this, he will officially miss the national team’s friendlies, emerging doubts on his presence in the anticipated tournament.
According to the doctor of the Brazilian national team, Rodrigo Lasmar, after performing an MRI scan on Neymar Jr., it revealed a Grade 2 calf injury, not just an edema as Santos FC had reported. Following this, the 34-year-old star will undergo a recovery process of approximately two to three weeks, meaning he will miss the friendlies against Panama and Egypt, arriving with very little margin for the 2026 World Cup.
Not only will he miss Brazil’s friendlies, but he would also miss the first two matches of the 2026 World Cup. Facing Morocco on June 13 and Haiti on June 19, the veteran would be arriving just in time to face Scotland on June 24. Based on his recovery, head coach Carlo Ancelotti could make the decision to remove Neymar Jr. from the final squad, as he may not be at full fitness for the opening match.
*Developing story…