Neymar raises concerns in the Brazilian camp … and vague statements about his injury

The Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed that Neymar (34 years old), who is recovering from an injury to his right calf (calf muscle), did not take part in closed training, and was sent to a private hospital in Teresopolis for tests.

The organization said in a statement: “No further information will be released until the medical team of the national team has completed.” Brazil From his analysis, “but Neymar’s absence became the most notable event on the second day of Brazil’s preparation camp for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil will have three more training sessions before facing Panama in a friendly at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

Technical manager Carlo Ancelotti is already missing three players for the game, missing central defenders Gabriel and Marquinhos and striker Gabriel Martinelli, who will take part in the Champions League between… Arsenal England and Paris Saint-Germain, France, on Saturday.

Neymar’s call-up last week drew attention, as he was not part of Ancelotti’s plans during the Italian coach’s year in charge.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 games, has not played for the national team since 2023, and his return came amid questions about his fitness and ability after years of injuries and a disappointing start to the season. Santos.

The injury comes at a very difficult time, since after facing Panama, Brazil will play its last friendly match… Egypt In Cleveland, United States, before starting his World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, in Group C, which includes Scotland and Haiti.

In an interview with Reuters in early May, he explained Ancelotti “Notoriety alone will not guarantee Neymar’s place in society.”

He also said that the Barcelona veteran will not receive special treatment, and that his place in the team “will depend on his strength and quantity, not emotion.”

Brazil is currently awaiting the decision of the doctors, and whether its most famous star will be ready to play a big role next month.