Neymar has suffered a minor calf injury, described as an oedema, but is expected to recover in time to join Brazil's World Cup camp next week, Santos' head of medical services Rodrigo Zogaib confirmed [1]. The 34-year-old Brazil all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 internationals was named in the national squad on May 18, marking his return after a prolonged layoff from injury [1, 2, 3].
Neymar currently plays for Santos after returning from Saudi club Al-Hilal, where injuries disrupted his stint. He missed Santos' 2-2 home draw with San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana on May 21 due to the calf issue [1, 2, 3]. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge last year, had refrained from recalling Neymar to the squad earlier over fitness concerns [1, 2, 3].
Rodrigo Zogaib said, "Neymar has a minor calf injury, an oedema. But, according to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he will join up with the national team" [1].
Brazil's World Cup campaign opens on June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey. The team will then face Haiti and Scotland in Group C [1, 2, 3]. Ahead of the tournament, Brazil are scheduled for warm-up matches against Panama on May 31 and Egypt [1, 2, 3].
The World Cup itself begins on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico [1, 2, 3]. Neymar's arrival at the Brazil camp next week comes as the team ramps up preparations for the June 13 opener.
