Neymar on bench as Brazil draw 1-1 with Morocco in World Cup opener | OneFootball

Neymar remained on the bench as Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their World Cup opener at MetLife Stadium on Saturday 13.

According to Diario Do Peixe, he was not fit to play but the coaching staff still took the number 10 to the game. He trained in the gym beforehand and is expected to begin ball work on Sunday 14.

The expectation is that he will be available for the second group match against Haiti on Friday 19 at 21:30, at Lincoln Financial Field.

One day before Carlo Ancelotti named his final squad, he captained Santos in a 3-0 defeat to Coritiba at the Neo Química Arena in Brasileirão round 16 on 17 May. That match also sparked a refereeing controversy over a deceptive substitution.

During that game he took a blow to his right calf, with Santos diagnosing a 2 mm oedema. After reporting to the CBF, repeat scans identified a grade 2 muscle injury.

Since then he has followed an intensive programme of physiotherapy, strength work and load management set by the CBF medical team. Recent tests have shown progress within expectations, and the plan is to reintroduce him to ball work gradually over the next week.

It is his fourth World Cup, after 2014, 2018 and 2022. He has said this will be his last, describing it on social media as 'The Last Dance'. Brazil’s record goalscorer also arrives as one of the squad’s leaders.

Source: Diario Do Peixe