Neymar's involvement in the upcoming 2026 World Cup is in doubt as the forward undergoes medical tests for a calf injury.
One of the greatest Brazilian players of the modern era, injuries and inconsistent form have meant that the 34-year-old has not appeared for the Selecao since a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat against Uruguay in October 2023.
While injuries have continued to limit his involvement, a return to boyhood club Santos has Neymar playing with a smile on his face once again and he has been named in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the tournament.
However, a calf injury has left him on the sidelines and could result in him missing out on the tournament entirely.
What is Neymar's injury?
Neymar is currently dealing with an injury to his right calf, with the Santos medical department revealing that he has suffered a 2-millimetre oedema.
The former Barcelona forward has been absent from recent training sessions at Brazil's Granja Comary training base leading to fears that he will not be fit for the World Cup.
Santos medical chief Rodrigo Zogaib insisted last week that the setback is not believed to be significant and that Neymar would be fit to join up with his team-mates in advance of the tournament.
However, with a return to training still eluding him speculation has began to mount that the injury is more serious than first feared.
How long will Neymar be out for?
After being unable to participate in training this week it appears unlikely that Neymar will play any part in Brazil's World Cup warm-up friendly against Panama on Sunday.
The latest report from the Brazilian football federation noted that he will spend at least the next two to three weeks with the medical team before being able to return to action.
As a result, he will definitely miss both the friendlies with Panama and Egypt and will likely not feature as they kick off their Group C campaign against Morocco on 13 June.
Which fixtures will he miss?
- Brazil v Panama - 31 May
- Brazil v Egypt - 6 June
- Brazil v Morocco - 13 June
Standard calf oedema injury recovery time
A calf oedema is a build up of swelling in a specific area caused by excess fluid accumulating in tissue following trauma such as a sprain or bone bruise.
The recovery period depends on the severity of the swelling, though in a recent interview Neymar insisted that the setback would not prevent him from representing his country at the World Cup.
