Neymar Injury Blow: Brazil Star Likely to Miss World Cup Opener Against Morocco

Brazil have been dealt a major setback just days before their World Cup campaign , with star forward Neymar likely to miss the opening match due to a calf injury .

The 34 year old forward has suffered a grade two calf injury , with team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirming that he is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks , casting serious doubt over his availability for the early stage of the tournament.

Brazil are scheduled to face Morocco on June 13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey , in their opening Group match. The group also features Haiti and Scotland , making the first game crucial for momentum.

Lasmar said Neymar arrived at the training base in Granja Comary near Rio de Janeiro, where he underwent detailed medical tests that confirmed the extent of the injury.

The setback comes at a sensitive moment, as Neymar was named in the squad despite limited recent action. Coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in the 26 man World Cup squad , even though the forward had not played for the national team since October 2023 after a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay .

Since then, Neymar has played only a handful of matches for Santos , following his return from Al Hilal after leaving on a free transfer.

FIFA rules allow Brazil to replace injured players until June 1 , or up to one day before their first match, leaving open the possibility of a late change depending on his recovery.

With expectations high on Brazil’s title hopes, Neymar’s fitness has become a major concern as the team prepares for the tournament.