The 34-year-old forward Neymar suffered a minor calf injury but is expected to recover in time to join the Brazilian national team next week, ahead of the World Cup kicking off June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances. He was called up to the national team on Monday, marking his return after a lengthy injury layoff that kept him out of most of the qualifying campaign. Brazil is aiming for a record sixth World Cup title at this tournament.
Much of the speculation leading up to the squad announcement revolved around whether coach Carlo Ancelotti would select Neymar. The Italian manager, who has been in charge of Brazil since last year, had previously not called up the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain player, now with Santos. Neymar will be playing in his fourth World Cup hoping to win his first world championship.
"Neymar has a minor calf injury, a type of muscle edema," Santos' chief doctor Rodrigo Zogaib told Brazil's ge.globo on Wednesday. "But according to our plan, his progress will allow him to be in good condition next week when he joins the national team."
Neymar, who has not played for Brazil since 2023, continues to face scrutiny over his fitness and form. His stint at Saudi club Al-Hilal was disrupted by injuries. He returned to his boyhood club Santos last year but has struggled to regain his form. Neymar was absent from Santos' 2-2 draw with San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana on Wednesday.
Brazil will open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C. The team is scheduled to play friendlies against Panama on May 31 and against Egypt ahead of the tournament.
