Neymar has encountered a new injury issue with Santos shortly after being selected for Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to commence on June 12 in North America. The forward, aged 34, has been diagnosed with a minor calf injury, prompting immediate concerns about his fitness ahead of the tournament.

Santos reported that medical examinations identified a 2-millimetre oedema in Neymar’s right calf, with information regarding the injury confirmed by the club’s medical department on Wednesday. This incident follows Neymar’s return to the Brazil setup after an extended recovery from a significant knee injury sustained in 2023.

Impact on Upcoming Matches

The recent injury has led to Neymar missing Santos’ Copa Sudamericana match against San Lorenzo, and he is also anticipated to be unavailable for the league fixture against Gremio. Time is of the essence as he strives to recover in time to join the Brazilian national team on May 27. Both Santos and the Brazilian Football Confederation are closely tracking his rehabilitation progress.

Rodrigo Zogaib, head of the medical team at Santos, has attempted to alleviate concerns regarding the injury. Zogaib stated, “Neymar has a minor calf injury, an oedema. According to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he joins up with the national team.” Nonetheless, the coaching staff is apprehensive about how this injury may impact Neymar’s initial training sessions and his availability for the upcoming friendly match against Panama at the Maracana on May 31.

To expedite his recovery, Neymar has been working with his personal medical team at Santos’ Rei Pele Training Centre. The focus is to ensure he is prepared to contribute when he rejoins the national squad, especially after such a long absence from the team.

Neymar’s Emotions on Return

Following his call-up, Neymar shared his emotions regarding his return to the Brazilian national team after a lengthy period away. He expressed, “I cried for several hours; it wasn’t easy to get here. After my name was announced, you know it was worth overcoming everything, enduring the effort.” His sentiment reflects the commitment to his recovery and the challenges faced during his time out.

Additionally, Neymar extended his gratitude to everyone involved in his recovery journey, highlighting, “My call-up wasn’t just for me; it was for everyone who is part of the process.” This acknowledgment underlines the collective effort surrounding athletes in rehabilitation and highlights the significance of teamwork in achieving personal goals.

Currently, Brazil’s medical team is assured that the injury Neymar is facing is not serious, yet his condition will be monitored closely as preparations for the World Cup proceed. Given his recent return from a substantial layoff, even a minor setback raises significant concern for the national squad and coaching staff. The organisation is keen to ensure Neymar’s availability and full performance capability as the World Cup approaches.

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