Neymar to miss Brazil's World Cup opener, Ancelotti confirms
Short overview
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will miss the team's World Cup opener against Morocco due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old forward is expected to resume training next week, casting doubt on his availability for the second group match against Haiti.
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will miss Brazil's opening match of the World Cup against Morocco on Saturday due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old forward has been struggling with the injury and has not yet returned to full training.
Recovery timeline
Ancelotti stated that Neymar is expected to start training with the squad next week, making his availability for Brazil's second group match against Haiti on 20 June uncertain. Brazil will conclude their group stage campaign against Scotland on 24 June.
"Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," Ancelotti said. "The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week. When we call up Neymar, we call him not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience and the example he can set for the young players in this group."
Neymar's recent absence and selection
Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to ongoing injury issues, but he was selected for the World Cup squad ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham forward Richarlison. The Santos forward is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, surpassing Pele's previous record of 77 goals.
World Cup experience
This tournament could mark Neymar's fourth World Cup appearance, having previously represented Brazil in 2014, 2018, and 2022. His absence from the opener is a significant blow to Brazil's attacking options as they begin their campaign.
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