BREAKING: Neymar returns to Brazil training as FIFA World Cup 2026 return nears
The Selecao talisman has missed his team’s World Cup opener through injury.
Brazil began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a drab 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday. However, all attention seems to be on the fitness of Neymar, who was forced to sit out his team’s opener after failing to recover from an injury.
The forward, who is his nation’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, suffered a grade two calf strain. Media reports claimed that while his teammates trained ahead of the second group-stage game against Haiti, the 34-year-old visited a clinic for a fresh test on his injured right leg.
This sparked concerns that the Santos man may entirely miss the knockout stages of the expanded 48-team tournament in North America. Another media report said that the team’s medical and coaching staff have decided not to rush his return, waiting for him to be pain-free before returning him to training.
Also Read: Neymar set to miss Brazil vs Haiti FIFA World Cup 2026 clash – Report
Neymar back on the pitch
Thankfully for Selecao fans, Neymar was seen returning to the pitch on Tuesday. In visuals shared by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), the forward was seen taking part in individual training drills. However, he completed the fitness exercises alone with a trainer, without a ball and away from the rest of the national team squad.
As things stand, the veteran forward is not expected to play any part in Brazil’s group-stage matches, with fixtures against Haiti and Scotland to follow. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti will hope that Neymar is fit enough to take part in the Round of 32, considering his invaluable experience and track record.
For now, Ancelotti will have to do without the veteran in Selecao’s next match against Haiti on June 19 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Why did Neymar miss Brazil vs Morocco match?
He was sidelined with a grade two calf strain, watching from the bench as Brazil drew 1‑1 in their Group C opener.
When could Neymar return for Brazil in World Cup?
The target is to have him fit for the Round of 32 if he is pain-free in training, depending on Brazil’s progress.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.