Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Brazil have been dealt a major blow ahead of the World Cup, with Neymar ruled out of the Selecao’s upcoming friendlies and potentially their opening group-stage clash after suffering a calf injury. The 34-year-old forward is expected to be sidelined for between two and three weeks following a grade two calf strain, an injury that involves a partial tear in the muscle fibres and requires rest along with rehabilitation.
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As a result, Neymar will miss Brazil’s friendly fixtures against Panama on Sunday and Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland, Ohio. His availability for Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey is also in doubt. Brazil will then face Haiti in Philadelphia on June 19 before taking on Scotland in Miami five days later.
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the setback during a press conference, explaining that Neymar has a grade two calf injury.
“Neymar 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,” said Lasmar.
The veteran attacker subsequently skipped Wednesday’s training session and underwent medical examinations that revealed the injury. The diagnosis contradicts the earlier assessment provided by Santos club doctor Rodrigo Zogaib, who had suggested Neymar was only dealing with swelling and would be fit to train with the national side.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is already missing several key players for the Panama encounter. Arsenal duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, along with Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, are unavailable because of their commitments in the Champions League final on May 30.
Despite enduring a frustrating spell with injuries and not featuring for Brazil since 2023, Neymar was still included in the World Cup squad ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham forward Richarlison.
If fit enough to feature later in the tournament, Neymar could become part of Brazil’s World Cup squad for the fourth time, having previously represented the nation in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
