Neymar raises concern in the Brazilian camp…and a vague statement about his injury

Brazil’s preparations to participate in the World Cup received a strong shock after Neymar’s absence from the team’s first training session to undergo medical examinations, which made his presence in the final squad at risk.
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that Neymar (34 years old), who is recovering from an injury to his right calf (calf muscle), did not participate in the closed training session, and was transferred to a private clinic in Teresopolis for examinations.
The federation said in a statement: “No further information will be disclosed until the Brazilian national team’s medical staff completes its evaluations,” but Neymar’s absence quickly became the most prominent event on the second day of Brazil’s preparatory camp for the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil will hold 3 more training sessions before facing Panama in a friendly match at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.
Technical director Carlo Ancelotti is already missing 3 players in this match, with the absence of centre-backs Gabriel and Marquinhos and striker Gabriel Martinelli, who will participate in the Champions League final between Arsenal of England and Paris Saint-Germain of France, on Saturday.
Neymar’s summoning last week sparked widespread enthusiasm, because he was not among Ancelotti’s plans during the year the Italian coach spent in charge.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches, has not played with the national team since 2023, and his return came amid questions about his physical fitness and technical level after years of injuries and a disappointing period at Santos.
The injury comes at a very sensitive time. After facing Panama, Brazil will play its last friendly match against Egypt in Cleveland, United States, before starting its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, in Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti.