Brazil sweat on Neymar’s fitness after calf scans ahead 2026 World Cup

Brazil face fresh uncertainty over Neymar’s availability for the 2026 World Cup after the 34-year-old forward missed the national team’s first training session on May 28 to undergo medical tests on his right calf. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said the player left the Granja Comary base for imaging at a private clinic in Teresopolis. Officials added no further update would be provided until team doctors complete their assessment, leaving his status day to day as camp continues.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 caps, has not played for the national team since 2023. His recall generated intense scrutiny given a recent, underwhelming spell back at Santos and a run of injuries that have interrupted his international and club seasons. The latest setback arrives just as preparations ramp up, with the squad assembling for a condensed build-up before opening their World Cup campaign.

The CBF’s statement noted the forward’s absence from the closed session and confirmed the imaging plan, turning attention to the medical team’s timeline. Neymar’s tests and any subsequent workload management will shape whether he can feature in Brazil’s final training blocks and determine his availability for the last warm-up matches.

Brazil are scheduled for three further sessions at Granja Comary before Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracana. The team then meet Egypt in Cleveland in their final tune-up before facing African champions Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey to start Group C. Brazil share the group with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

Medical verdict will guide squad decisions

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has signalled that selection hinges on fitness and performance rather than reputation, a stance that places added focus on Neymar’s recovery timeline. The forward will need medical clearance and sufficient training volume to push for minutes in the friendlies or the opener, should the staff deem him ready.

Brazil are already short several regulars for the Panama friendly, with defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos and forward Gabriel Martinelli tied up with Saturday’s Champions League final commitments. That context heightens the scrutiny around Neymar’s tests and any path back to full training in the coming days.

Neymar’s form under the microscope

The attacker’s status continues to dominate Brazil’s camp because of his profile and historic productivity for the Seleção. Yet his recent injury record and uneven club minutes have sparked debate over how quickly he can reach match sharpness. The coming medical report will dictate next steps: a green light to reintegrate progressively, or a more conservative plan if symptoms persist.

Beyond the immediate fitness question, Brazil’s staff must balance continuity in attacking roles with contingency plans if Neymar’s workload is limited. His availability influences tactical options between the lines and on set pieces, while his absence would shift responsibility to alternative creators and finishers during the final preparatory window.

For now, Brazil await the medical team’s conclusions and will monitor whether Neymar appears in upcoming training sessions. Clarity on his status is expected before the friendlies conclude and will frame Brazil’s final decisions heading into the June 13 opener against Morocco.