Neymar suffers another injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

VHO - Striker Neymar has suffered another calf injury while playing for Santos FC just before joining the Brazilian national team to prepare for the 2026 World Cup finals. This incident has forced coach Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian medical team to race against time, causing anxiety and worry among fans in Brazil ahead of the start of the biggest football event on the planet.

Forward Neymar has suffered a calf injury.

Unexpected injury...

Neymar's injury came just two days after coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in Brazil's final 26-player squad, marking Neymar's fourth appearance at the world's biggest football tournament.

Neymar himself emotionally admitted on Santos TV that he "cried for hours" when he found out his name was called: "When my name was announced, I knew all the effort was worthwhile."

However, with the World Cup fast approaching, Brazilian football fans are once again worried as the star striker continues to suffer from health problems. The incident occurred during Santos' 0-3 defeat to Coritiba last weekend, when Neymar suffered a right calf injury and had to leave the field in the second half.

Notably, in this situation, Neymar didn't even realize he had been substituted and had previously reacted angrily to the referee due to a controversial substitution that resulted from a misunderstanding of the substitution board.

According to confirmation from Santos' medical department, initial tests show that the striker, born in 1992, is suffering from calf muscle swelling.

Specifically, Santos' head of medical services, Rodrigo Zogaib, confirmed that Neymar suffered edema in his right calf with a wound approximately 2mm long, causing slight swelling, but the condition was not too serious.

Due to this injury, the Santos coaching staff had to completely remove their captain from the squad list for the recent 2-2 draw against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana.

According to predictions, the former Barcelona and PSG star will continue to be sidelined, missing the match against Grêmio in the Brazilian national championship on Saturday and is unlikely to be fit for the final group stage match of the Sudamericana against Deportivo Cuenca on May 26th.

Recovery roadmap for the final World Cup.

Although Santos FC has not yet made an official announcement regarding the recovery time, Neymar's absence from important matches is raising concerns for the Selecao coaching staff.

According to ESPN , Carlo Ancelotti's associates closely monitored Neymar's condition before finalizing the squad, and there are still concerns about the 34-year-old star's recovery.

What worries experts and fans most is Neymar's history of persistent injuries throughout his career, and especially in the last two years. The former PSG and Al Hilal star is all too familiar with the infirmary due to recurring injuries to his ankles, knees, and thigh muscles.

Since suffering a serious injury in October 2023, he has undergone a lengthy recovery process before being able to return to the pitch and has not played for the national team since then.

The fact that he suffered a recurrence of his injury shortly after returning to play in his homeland has left the Brazilian national team's coaching staff unable to sit idly by.

However, the 34-year-old striker's chances of participating in the tournament are still on track and not too serious for the team's plans. Doctor Rodrigo Zogaib told Brazilian media: "Neymar suffered a minor calf injury, with some swelling. According to our plan, he should still be able to join the Brazilian national team next week."

Currently, Neymar is receiving treatment at the Rei Pele training center under the close supervision of the club's medical team and the Brazilian Football Confederation.

Neymar's condition is progressing positively, and he is expected to be in good shape by May 27th to officially rejoin the "Selecao". If his recovery proceeds as planned, Neymar could still participate in the two pre-tournament friendly matches against Panama on May 31st and Egypt. The match against Panama is considered a crucial milestone to test the superstar's ability to play after a long absence from the national team.

At 34 years old, this year's North American tournament will most likely be Neymar's last World Cup. Although no longer at the peak of his form, the experience and class of the "Samba Prince" remain indispensable factors in Brazil's quest for their sixth World Cup title.

Currently, the Santos FC superstar is still aiming to reach his best form to join Brazil in the group stage matches of the 2026 World Cup, where "Selecao" will face opponents in their group including Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/neymar-lai-dinh-chan-thuong-truoc-them-world-cup-2026-230312.html