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Neymar's World Cup debut remains uncertain after new calf tests, Brazil held by Morocco
The Brazil forward missed team training on Monday to attend a clinic for examinations on his injured right leg. Results are still pending as the team prepares to face Haiti on Friday.
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In brief
Neymar attended a clinic on 15 June for exams on his right calf. The Brazilian football confederation has not released the results.
The forward did not join teammates on Monday despite earlier optimism he would resume full sessions. He has not trained fully since 17 May.
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their World Cup opener on 13 June. Neymar watched from the sidelines at MetLife Stadium.
Brazilian media say medical staff aim to have Neymar fully fit for the knockout rounds, easing immediate pressure on his return.
- 17 MayNeymar sustains right leg injury with Santos in Brazil
- 13 JunBrazil draw 1-1 with Morocco in World Cup opener; Neymar misses match
- 15 JunNeymar undergoes new tests on right calf; results not immediately released
- 19 JunBrazil vs Haiti match in Philadelphia; Neymar yet to train fully with team
Injury timeline
Neymar's availability for the 2026 World Cup remains unresolved after the 34-year-old forward underwent new tests on his right calf on Monday. He has been sidelined since sustaining the injury with Santos in Brazil on 17 May. Monday had raised hopes of a return to full training, but Neymar instead visited a clinic, and the Brazilian football confederation did not disclose the results.
World Cup impact
Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Neymar watched from the sidelines, where he was seen greeting rapper Travis Scott and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. The team's attacking struggles in that match amplified calls for a more experienced playmaker. Coach Carlo Ancelotti now faces a decision on Neymar's involvement against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday.
Squad debate
Neymar's inclusion in the World Cup squad by Ancelotti has divided opinion in Brazil. Supporters argue the veteran, competing in his fourth tournament after his first in 2014 on home soil, still offers vital experience. Critics claim he is past his prime and may have blocked a younger player's place. Brazilian media report that the medical staff is targeting a full recovery by the knockout stages.
Other team news
Three other players, Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães, and Raphinha, trained separately on Monday to improve their fitness. In personal news, Neymar and his partner, Bruna Biancardi, announced on social media that they are expecting their third daughter. Neymar also has a teenage son from a previous relationship.
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Sources and context
- Neymar
- Brazil forward, injured for World Cup opener, undergoing calf tests
- Carlo Ancelotti
- Brazil head coach who selected Neymar for the World Cup squad
- Travis Scott
- Rapper seen greeting Neymar on the sidelines at MetLife Stadium
- Tom Brady
- Seven-time Super Bowl champion greeted by Neymar before Morocco match
- Bruna Biancardi
- Neymar's partner, announced expecting third daughter on Monday
- Gabriel Magalhães
- Brazil player who trained separately on Monday for fitness
- Bruno Guimarães
- Brazil player who trained separately on Monday for fitness
- Raphinha
- Brazil player who trained separately on Monday for fitness
- Places
- Amman
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