Brazil’s FIFA World Cup campaign has suffered another setback with star forward Neymar likely to miss the team’s second Group C match against Haiti as he continues his recovery from a Grade 2 calf strain.
The 34-year-old underwent fresh medical examinations on Monday after remaining sidelined since suffering the injury shortly before the tournament. The latest assessment was aimed at determining the progress of his rehabilitation, but early indications suggest the veteran attacker is unlikely to be risked for Brazil’s upcoming fixture.
Neymar had already been ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti and the medical staff opting for a cautious approach. The Brazilian Football Confederation is keen to ensure the country’s all-time leading scorer is fully fit for the latter stages of the competition rather than rushing him back during the group phase.
Brazil’s medical team remains hopeful that Neymar could return for the final Group C fixture against Scotland or, at the latest, the knockout rounds if the five-time champions progress as expected. However, no definitive timeline has been provided, with his recovery continuing to be monitored on a day-to-day basis.
The injury is a significant blow for Brazil, who are seeking a record-extending sixth World Cup title under Ancelotti. Despite his recent fitness struggles, Neymar remains one of the squad’s most influential figures, both on and off the pitch, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to the dressing room.
Brazil Banking on Squad Depth
With Neymar sidelined, Brazil will continue to rely on their attacking depth as they navigate the group stage. The coaching staff believes the team possesses enough quality to secure qualification while allowing their talisman additional time to recover for the business end of the tournament.
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