Neymar Injured, Updates on Brazil Star's Status for 2026 World Cup and Timeline to Return

Brazilian star Neymar is very likely to miss Brazil's World Cup-opening match against Morocco on June 13 after suffering a calf injury.

"The expectation is that he will be sidelined from two to three weeks," team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told reporters on Wednesday. "... Neymar arrived [Wednesday] at the Granja Comary [training base], did all medical tests, and was diagnosed with a grade two calf injury."

The 34-year-old Neymar hasn't played for Brazil since Oct. 2023, as injuries have impacted him during the later years of his career. He's made just eight starts for Santos this season, scoring four goals and adding two assists.

His solid form (even in limited action) and pedigree as the country's all-time leading goal-scorer (79) earned him a spot on Carlo Ancelotti's squad, though he could now potentially be replaced.

Brazil aren't exactly lacking for talented options in the attack, however, with players like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago and Matheus Cunha, among others, available for selection.

Perhaps that would make Ancelotti less inclined to add a replacement, especially if Neymar's injury only keeps him unavailable for one game.

As for his inclusion, Neymar was very moved by the selection.

"It's difficult to explain with words the emotions I've felt," he said last week while speaking his Santos teammates and staff. "I want to thank everyone here. This call-up wasn't just for me but for everyone involved in the process, everyone who was with me on the pitch, off the pitch, looking after our safety, our fitness and our meals. I admit that I cried for several hours because it was by no means easy to arrive at this point. Those who have been with me through it all know that it was difficult, it was hard. But after hearing my name on the list, all the sacrifices and all the effort was worth it."

Now he's facing yet another hurdle as he aims to appear at this year's World Cup.