Neymar a doubt for 2026 World Cup?: Brazil doctor confirms injury | OneFootball

The 34-year-old star will need several weeks to recover and would miss Brazil’s next three matches.

There are only 14 days left until the 2026 World Cup, and from this point on, every physical issue is decisive. In that regard, Neymar Júnior suffered a muscle injury, setting off alarm bells within the Brazil National Team. With that scenario on the table, each day will be crucial in determining how he will arrive at the biggest event, which will take place in North America.

It is worth remembering that his last match was on May 17, in Santos’ 3-0 loss to Coritiba. After that, he missed three consecutive matches due to calf problems, as he was absent against San Lorenzo and Cuenca in the Copa Sudamericana and against Grêmio in domestic competition, which began to raise concerns that have now just been confirmed.

The truth is that, with the World Cup 14 days away, Neymar faces a recovery period of between 2 and 3 weeks. That is the estimated time, according to medical timelines, although the proximity of the World Cup could speed up the process. In that sense, the Brazilian star suffered a grade 2 calf tear, which prevents him from having the best possible preparation to represent Brazil at the biggest tournament.

An important fact to keep in mind is that he will miss the friendlies before the 2026 World Cup. Brazil scheduled matches against Panama on Sunday the 31st and against Egypt on Saturday, June 6. On the other hand, he is doubtful for the opener against Morocco, a match that will take place on Saturday, June 13, that is, 16 days after the injury he is dealing with was confirmed.

It is worth noting that Neymar will wear the No. 10, despite reports indicating that Carlo Ancelotti was going to take away the shirt number he has worn for more than 13 years. In fact, rumors claimed that Vinícius Júnior could wear the most iconic jersey of the Brazil National Team, but it was ultimately confirmed that it will remain with the Santos star, as has usually been the case.

“I don’t know my number at the World Cup, but the ‘10’ belongs to Neymar, that’s obvious”, said the Real Madrid winger in an interview with Brazilian YouTuber CazeTV. After putting an end to the mystery surrounding the Santos captain’s shirt number, it has been confirmed that for the fourth consecutive World Cup edition he will wear such an iconic number beneath his name.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.