🤔 CBF backtracks on Neymar return in the first phase, says paper | OneFootball

The Brazilian national team coaching staff’s planning regarding Neymar has changed course, given slower-than-expected progress.

According to the newspaper O Globo, the CBF has given up on setting a return date for Neymar during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

The No. 10 has now gone a month without stepping onto the pitch to train and has officially been ruled out of the clash against Haiti this Friday (19).

According to O Globo, the new behind-the-scenes approach is aimed at easing the overwhelming pressure on both the player and the squad.

If he shows significant improvement in the coming days, the forward could, in the most optimistic scenario, get a few minutes against Scotland on June 24.

However, the current mindset of the medical staff is zero risk: Neymar should only be pushed if Brazil faces a situation of extreme urgency, with his realistic use projected only for the knockout stage.

Recovery process

Current stage: After undergoing new imaging tests in New Jersey, the forward showed satisfactory progress in the injury to his right calf, but still not enough to move on to the next phase. He remains limited to strength work in the medical department and still needs to go through the on-field physical transition before touching the ball.

Deadline up: The initial three-week forecast given by doctor Rodrigo Lasmar expires tomorrow, making it clear that the deadline has passed without the star being ready.

Protective strategy: The CBF, which had been quite transparent about the player’s medical condition, has chosen to shut the doors. Details of the treatment will now only be released if there is a real qualitative leap. The lack of clarity has caused friction and criticism within the entity’s political wing, but Carlo Ancelotti’s priority is to protect the group.

After the 1-1 draw in the opener against Morocco, medical updates had been used as “ammunition” for outside criticism.

In response, Brazil increased its level of isolation in the United States, even limiting players’ exposure in press conferences at the training center to contain internal unease.

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

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