Brazil forward Neymar will not travel with the national team for Friday’s FIFA World Cup group-stage encounter against Haiti in Philadelphia as he continues his rehabilitation from a calf injury.
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Thursday that the experienced attacker will remain in New Jersey to focus on the final phase of his recovery programme.
According to the federation, Neymar will continue training at the team’s base, taking advantage of the facilities available at The Ridge Hotel and the Columbia Park training centre as medical staff monitor his progress.
The 34-year-old took part in portions of Wednesday’s training session, working separately during the warm-up before later joining teammates for some drills with the ball.
However, Brazil’s coaching and medical teams are taking a cautious approach to his return.
Neymar has been sidelined since suffering a right calf injury during Santos’ 3-0 defeat to Coritiba last month.
The setback is the latest in a series of injury problems that have disrupted the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star’s career in recent years.
The forward has not featured for Brazil in nearly three years, making his recovery a key focus for the five-time world champions.
Brazil began their World Cup campaign with a draw against Morocco and currently have one point in the group standings.
Haiti, meanwhile, are seeking their first points of the tournament after opening with a defeat to Scotland.
