Neymar's World Cup heartbreak repeating? Latest updates on Brazil's injuries

World Cup 2026 Today at 15:31

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

13.06.26 18:00 World Cup

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Neymar faces a fitness race in New Jersey this Monday after Brazil confirmed positive MRI results for his ongoing calf injury recovery.

Read Also: World Cup injury update: Major absences and fitness doubts before kick-off

Promising scan results in the USA

According to an official statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation, Neymar is showing strong signs of progress regarding the right calf problem that has kept him out of action since May.

The five-time world champions' all time leading goal scorer underwent a crucial medical evaluation in the United States with the federation revealing that the resonance imaging scan fell safely within expected medical parameters.

While this brings a massive sigh of relief to the camp, the veteran forward will remain under a strict, individualized recovery program designed by the national team's medical staff before returning to standard team sessions.

Ancelotti exercises tactical caution

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti voiced optimism regarding his talisman's condition stating that he expects the 34 year old to rejoin training later this week.

However the Italian manager made it clear that he will not rush his star player back into competitive action. Neymar’s career has been heavily disrupted by frequent physical setbacks over recent seasons making an accelerated return highly risky.

Ancelotti’s priority is ensuring the forward is structurally sound for the entire tournament ahead rather than risking a relapse in the opening phase.

Uncertainty shrouds Morocco opener

Because the federation refrained from providing a concrete return date, Neymar's availability for the opening match remains highly uncertain.

The South American giants kick off their World Cup campaign against Morocco this Saturday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Group C is expected to be fiercely competitive and starting the tournament without their most experienced creative outlet forces a major tactical dilemma.

If Neymar is not passed fit, Ancelotti will have to rely on his explosive young wingers to break down the North African defense.

A history of World Cup heartbreak

This tense medical waiting game is a familiar script for football fans who have closely tracked Neymar's international career.

During the 2014 tournament on home soil, a fractured vertebra brutally cut his campaign short before the semi finals.

History repeated itself in Qatar back in 2022 when a severe ankle ligament injury in the opening group match against Serbia sidelined him for a significant portion of the tournament.

The Brazilian faithful will be desperately praying that this calf issue doesn't lead to similar heartbreak hoping instead for a miraculous recovery reminiscent of Ronaldo Nazário's legendary, triumphant comeback from severe knee issues in 2002.

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