Neymar is racing against time before the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar has been diagnosed with a grade two calf muscle tear, while Rodrygo has already missed the 2026 World Cup due to a knee injury, leaving Brazil facing a major concern.

The Brazilian national team is facing a difficult challenge just before the 2026 World Cup as Neymar has been diagnosed with a calf injury that is more serious than initially thought.

According to the Brazilian national team's medical staff, MRI results show Neymar has a grade two calf muscle tear, rather than just muscle swelling as initially assessed by Santos. Doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed that the 34-year-old striker needs two to three weeks to recover. This casts serious doubt on his participation in the World Cup opening match against Morocco.

Neymar missed two friendly matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar joined the Brazilian national team in Granja Comary but did not participate in the first training session. After developing swelling in his right calf, he was taken to a clinic in Teresopolis for further examination. The results later confirmed that the injury was more serious than initially thought.

This came as a significant shock to coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager had just brought Neymar back to the national team after a long absence due to injury and inconsistent form. Previously, Ancelotti had stated that the selection of players for the World Cup would be based on physical condition and actual performance rather than reputation.

The situation became even more complicated when Brazil lost Rodrygo before the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid striker suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus tear in his right knee during a La Liga match in March, requiring surgery and months of absence. This injury officially meant Rodrygo missed the biggest football tournament on the planet.

Rodrygo's absence means Brazil no longer have as many unpredictable attacking options as initially anticipated. If Neymar is unable to recover on schedule, the responsibility in attack will fall more heavily on players like Vinicius Junior, Endrick, or those currently in good form at their clubs.

One option being mentioned by the British media is Joao Pedro. The Chelsea striker just had an impressive season with over 20 goals and is considered one of the players who could be called up as a backup if Neymar is not in the necessary fitness. According to TalkSport, Carlo Ancelotti has also admitted that Joao Pedro deserves to be considered for the Brazilian national team.

Nevertheless, Neymar remains a special player for the Selecao. He is currently the top scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team with 79 goals in 128 appearances. At 34 years old, the 2026 World Cup will likely be Neymar's last chance to win the biggest title still missing from his career.

Currently, the Brazilian Football Confederation has not made any decision regarding a potential replacement for Neymar. According to FIFA regulations, teams can still make personnel changes in the event of a serious injury before the first match of the tournament.

Meanwhile, all the attention of Brazilian fans is focused on Neymar's recovery. With Rodrygo's absence confirmed, the Selecao understand they don't want to lose their most important attacking star right before the 2026 World Cup.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/neymar-chay-dua-voi-thoi-gian-truoc-world-cup-2026-post900578.html