Neymar Jr. took a significant step in his recovery from a grade 2 calf injury when he returned to the training pitch alone on June 16, approximately a month after the injury sidelined him. This injury occurred during a match for Santos on May 17 and has put a cloud over Neymar’s aspirations for World Cup success as he approaches 34 years old, a critical juncture in his career.
Neymar had to skip Brazil’s initial training sessions from May 27-28 for medical evaluations and has been rehabilitating away from the main squad since then. Coach Carlo Ancelotti indicated that Neymar would not participate in Brazil’s first World Cup match against Morocco, which means he is working against a tight deadline as recovery from a grade 2 muscle strain can take four to six weeks.
Returning to training alone is an important milestone, highlighting that Neymar is progressing beyond initial rehabilitation to activities more aligned with football. His integration into team training and subsequent contact sessions will be crucial in determining his readiness for future matches.
Ancelotti has shown cautious optimism regarding Neymar’s recovery but hesitates to make any guarantees. The Brazilian star has faced numerous injuries throughout his career. The most severe happened in October 2023 when he tore his ACL and meniscus during a World Cup qualifier. This injury kept him off the pitch for an extended period, marking a significant setback, and he has not played for Brazil since the incident.
In light of his earlier return to Santos in 2026, expectations were high for his performance, but the recent calf injury has disrupted these plans. Despite Neymar's absence, the Brazilian Football Confederation has opted not to find a replacement, which demonstrates their confidence in his recovery.
Concerning Brazil's match against Morocco, it’s worth noting that Morocco reached the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup, proving they are not an easy opponent. Coach Ancelotti's choice to keep Neymar on the roster indicates belief in his capability to make a substantial impact in the knockout stages, provided he returns to fitness.
As Neymar continues his journey back to full fitness, the sports community remains hopeful about his participation in crucial World Cup matches, underscoring the importance of his role in the team and the potential he brings to Brazil’s chances of success.