Neymar's fresh injury setback triggers concern in Brazil camp ahead of World Cup
Brazil are facing fresh injury concerns after Neymar suffered another setback just weeks before the FIFA World Cup begins in North America on June 12.
Star forward Neymar has suffered a fresh injury setback with Santos just days after being named in Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concern in the camp ahead of the tournament in North America, which begins on June 12. The 34-year-old forward has been diagnosed with what Santos described as a minor calf injury, though the timing has immediately put focus on his fitness.
Santos said medical tests revealed a 2-millimetre oedema in Neymar's right calf, with the club's medical department confirming the issue on Wednesday. The setback comes shortly after Neymar returned to the Brazil setup following a lengthy recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered in 2023.
Neymar has already missed Santos' Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo and is also expected to sit out the league game against Gremio. He is now racing against time to recover before reporting for Brazil duty on May 27, with both Santos and the Brazilian Football Confederation closely monitoring his progress.
Rodrigo Zogaib, head of Santos' medical team, downplayed the severity of the injury. "Neymar has a minor calf injury, an oedema," Zogaib told ge. "But, according to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he joins up with the national team."
The setback has also brought added scrutiny to Carlo Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar in Brazil's final squad. According to ESPN, the Italian had made it clear he wanted only fully fit players available for selection. The concern within the coaching staff is understood to be whether the injury could affect Neymar's early training work and his availability for Brazil's friendly against Panama at the Maracana on May 31. Neymar has been working with his personal medical team at Santos' Rei Pele Training Centre in an effort to speed up his recovery.
Speaking to Santos TV after his call-up, Neymar reflected on his return to Selecao after a long absence. "I cried for several hours, it wasn't easy to get here. After my name was announced, you know it was worth overcoming everything, enduring the effort," he said. He also thanked those involved in his recovery, adding: "My call-up wasn't just for me, it was for everyone who is part of the process."
For now, Brazil have medical assurances that the latest issue is minor, but Neymar's condition will remain under close watch as the team prepare for the World Cup. With the forward only recently back after a long lay-off, even a small setback has become a matter of consequence.
Star forward Neymar has suffered a fresh injury setback with Santos just days after being named in Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concern in the camp ahead of the tournament in North America, which begins on June 12. The 34-year-old forward has been diagnosed with what Santos described as a minor calf injury, though the timing has immediately put focus on his fitness.
Santos said medical tests revealed a 2-millimetre oedema in Neymar's right calf, with the club's medical department confirming the issue on Wednesday. The setback comes shortly after Neymar returned to the Brazil setup following a lengthy recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered in 2023.
Neymar has already missed Santos' Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo and is also expected to sit out the league game against Gremio. He is now racing against time to recover before reporting for Brazil duty on May 27, with both Santos and the Brazilian Football Confederation closely monitoring his progress.
Rodrigo Zogaib, head of Santos' medical team, downplayed the severity of the injury. "Neymar has a minor calf injury, an oedema," Zogaib told ge. "But, according to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he joins up with the national team."
The setback has also brought added scrutiny to Carlo Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar in Brazil's final squad. According to ESPN, the Italian had made it clear he wanted only fully fit players available for selection. The concern within the coaching staff is understood to be whether the injury could affect Neymar's early training work and his availability for Brazil's friendly against Panama at the Maracana on May 31. Neymar has been working with his personal medical team at Santos' Rei Pele Training Centre in an effort to speed up his recovery.
Speaking to Santos TV after his call-up, Neymar reflected on his return to Selecao after a long absence. "I cried for several hours, it wasn't easy to get here. After my name was announced, you know it was worth overcoming everything, enduring the effort," he said. He also thanked those involved in his recovery, adding: "My call-up wasn't just for me, it was for everyone who is part of the process."
For now, Brazil have medical assurances that the latest issue is minor, but Neymar's condition will remain under close watch as the team prepare for the World Cup. With the forward only recently back after a long lay-off, even a small setback has become a matter of consequence.
