The return of Neymar with Brazil ahead of the World Cup 2026 has already taken a worrying turn after the Seleção star suffered a calf injury during preparations. Santos’ medical staff initially tried to reassure supporters by describing the issue as minor swelling, but the situation now appears far more serious.
Neymar missed Brazil’s latest training session and doctors quickly sent him for an MRI examination at a private clinic, increasing fears inside the Brazilian camp just weeks before the start of the tournament.
Brazilian media outlets have reported growing concern within Carlo Ancelotti’s staff as Neymar reportedly left the clinic limping and looking visibly disappointed after speaking with doctors. According to several reports in Brazil, tensions have also emerged between Santos and the Brazilian Football Confederation, with suspicions that the club may have downplayed the seriousness of Neymar’s condition before his arrival with the national team.
The possibility of Neymar missing the World Cup 2026 now appears realistic, and Brazil has already ruled him out of the upcoming friendly matches against Panama and Egypt. The Seleção will now anxiously wait for the results of the medical examinations to determine whether Neymar can recover in time for Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 14.
