Neymar has been sidelined with a right calf injury since May 17 and missed Brazil's first two group matches, including the 3-0 win over Haiti on June 19. The 34-year-old forward has not played for Brazil since October 2023 due to a previous knee injury and this is his first World Cup since returning to the squad [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar began running and ball drills on June 20 at Brazil’s training base in New Jersey and is expected to rejoin the full squad soon. Ancelotti stated, “We expect Neymar to recover and return to the squad next week. He has been working very hard in his rehab and can provide technical ability and experience to the team.” He added Neymar would start individual training and gradually integrate with the team aiming to be available for Brazil’s next group match against Scotland on June 28 [1, 6, 3, 4, 7].
The Brazil team currently holds four points in Group C after a 1-1 draw with Morocco and the win over Haiti. Striker Matheus Cunha scored twice in the victory against Haiti, with Vinicius Junior adding a goal. The win marked Brazil’s 41st time scoring three or more goals in a single World Cup match [5, 8, 9].
However, Brazil’s squad depth faced fresh concern as winger Raphinha suffered a right leg injury during the Haiti game and had to leave early. Vinicius Junior called the injury “really regrettable” and expressed hope it was not serious, saying, “I hope he can continue fighting alongside us.” Coach Ancelotti remained cautious but optimistic about Neymar’s return and the team’s health [7, 10, 11].
The inclusion of an injured Neymar in the squad drew criticism, with some arguing the spot could have been given to a fit player such as João Pedro. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva even joked Neymar was a "work-from-home player" for the national team, highlighting the star’s absence from play thus far [1, 12].
Brazil’s next group stage match against Scotland on June 28 will determine their progression to the knockout rounds. Neymar’s availability for that match remains uncertain but is the focus of the team’s preparations.
