Barely included in Brazil’s list of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, Neymar is already seeing his start to the rally disrupted by physical concerns. The 34-year-old striker missed the match between Santos FC and San Lorenzo (2-2) in the Copa Sudamericana on Wednesday due to swelling in his right calf. Remaining in the stands alongside his daughter, he could, according to ESPN Brasil, be forced to take around ten days of rest, until the inflammation disappears.
This situation is starting to alert the Seleção staff, who are already planning to adapt their program upon his arrival, scheduled for May 27. Initially, the plan provided for rapid integration into collective training, with even a possible start against Panama on May 31 at the Maracana. But this setback now forces the medical staff to favor a gradual and individualized recovery. At the same time, Neymar is also expected to miss Santos FC’s next two matches against GrĂŞmio and Deportivo Cuenca.
“He will play if he deserves it”
Questioned after the meeting, Cuca, coach of Santos, remained cautious about a possible rapid return of his player.
“It’s difficult to talk about it. Everything about Neymar is complex, we have to be very careful. I prefer to wait and see how things develop internally, and I think that, medically speaking, if he is fit to play on Tuesday, he will be available because his injury is minor.he explained.
For his part, coach Carlo Ancelotti wanted to calm expectations after the announcement of the list. He insisted that Neymar’s presence did not guarantee any special status: “We chose Neymar not because we think he will be a good replacement, but because he can contribute to the team thanks to his qualities. Whether he plays one minute, five minutes, whether he doesn’t play, whether he plays 90 minutes, whether he takes the penalty… I want to be clear, honest and direct: he will play if he deserves to. Training will decide that. I think it’s important not to pin all hopes on one player. »
