Brazil's hopes of winning a record sixth FIFA World Cup title have suffered a significant setback, with star forward Neymar now expected to miss most, if not all, of the group stage due to a persistent calf injury. Recent medical assessments have raised fresh concerns over the 34-year-old's fitness, prompting Brazil's coaching staff to adopt a cautious approach to his recovery.
Neymar sustained a grade-two calf strain while playing for Santos before the tournament and has not participated in full training sessions since joining Brazil's World Cup camp. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti initially ruled him out of the opening match against Morocco and has since acknowledged that the veteran forward could remain unavailable throughout the group phase.
Brazil's medical team is prioritizing Neymar's long-term availability rather than risking an early return that could aggravate the injury. Reports suggest the federation believes a fully fit Neymar in the knockout rounds would be more valuable than a rushed comeback during the group stage.
The Seleção have already had to adjust their plans. Without Neymar, much of the attacking responsibility has fallen on players such as Vinícius Júnior, while Ancelotti has relied on a more balanced tactical setup. Brazil opened their campaign with a draw against Morocco, increasing the importance of upcoming group matches against Haiti and Scotland.
Despite the uncertainty, there remains optimism within the Brazilian camp. Medical updates indicate that Neymar's rehabilitation is progressing well, and federation officials have not ruled out a return before the end of the tournament. Some reports suggest he could resume partial team training in the coming days if recovery milestones are met.
For Neymar, this World Cup carries special significance. Brazil's all-time leading scorer has described the tournament as a possible final opportunity to lift football's biggest prize. After years of injury struggles and nearly three years away from international football, the veteran remains central to Brazil's ambitions even from the sidelines.
Brazil's coaching staff now face a delicate balancing act: navigate the group stage without their talisman while ensuring he is fully recovered for the knockout rounds. If the five-time champions advance as expected, Neymar's return could provide a major boost at the most crucial stage of the tournament.
