Neymar is at risk of missing the entire group stage of the World Cup, as Brazil’s medical staff have decided not to rush his return to action.
According to reports, Brazil are handling his physical condition with great caution, prioritizing his long-term recovery rather than an immediate comeback.
The Brazilian star is recovering from a Grade 2 calf muscle injury, which he suffered on May 17 while playing for Santos.
Since arriving at the Granja Comary training center, he has not yet trained with the squad under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Instead, he has been limited to individual training sessions and gym work.
The current plan of Brazil’s medical team is for Neymar to return gradually only when he is completely pain-free and able to resume full team training without any risk of aggravating the injury.
He is expected to miss the match against Haiti in Philadelphia and remains a major doubt for the final group-stage game against Scotland in Miami.
Brazil’s strategy is to have him fully fit for the knockout stages, provided the team secures qualification without difficulty.
Ancelotti has previously emphasized that, beyond his technical abilities, Neymar is also crucial because of his experience and the influence he has on the younger players within the squad.
