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

The 34-year-old star will need several weeks to recover and would miss the next three matches for the Seleção.

There are only 14 days left until the 2026 World Cup, and from this point on, every physical issue is crucial. In that regard, Neymar Júnior suffered a muscle injury and set off alarm bells within the Brazil national team. With that situation on the table, every day will be key in determining how he will arrive at the biggest tournament, which will be held in North America.

It is worth remembering that his last match was on May 17, in Santos’ 0-3 loss to Coritiba. After that, he missed three straight 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 spark the concern that has now just been confirmed.

The truth is that, with 14 days to go before the World Cup, Neymar is facing a recovery period of between 2 and 3 weeks. That is the estimated time frame according to medical guidelines, 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 detail to keep in mind is that he will miss the friendlies before the 2026 World Cup. The Seleção 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 was confirmed.

It is worth noting that Neymar will wear the number 10, despite reports suggesting 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 historic shirt of the Brazil national team, but it was ultimately confirmed that it will belong to the Santos star, as has usually been the case.

“I don’t know my number at the World Cup, but the ‘10’ is for Neymar, that’s obvious”, said the Real Madrid winger in an interview with Brazilian YouTuber CazeTV. After putting an end to the mystery regarding the shirt for the Santos captain, it has now been confirmed that for the fourth consecutive World Cup, 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.