Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, missed the Copa Sudamericana draw between Santos and San Lorenzo due to a calf injury.
Published May 21, 2026
Neymar has suffered a minor calf injury but is expected to recover in time to join Brazil’s camp next week ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico on June 11.
The 34-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, was named in the squad on Monday, making his return after missing much of the qualifying period with an extended injury spell as Brazil chases a record-extending sixth title.
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Much of the preparation for the squad announcement centered on manager Carlo Ancelotti’s decision on whether to include Neymar.
The Italian coach, who took over as Brazil’s manager last year, had no previous memories of the former Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain attacker. He currently plays for Santos and will be competing in his fourth World Cup, aiming for his first world title.
“Neymar has a slight injury and edema in his calf,” Santos’ head of medical services Rodrigo Zogaib told Brazil’s ge.globo on Wednesday. “However, according to our plans, his progress will allow him to be fit to join the national team next week.”
Neymar has scored 79 goals in 128 international games and has not featured for Brazil since 2023, but continues to face intense scrutiny over his fitness and form.
His stint at Saudi club Al Hilal was interrupted by injury, and he returned to his boyhood club Santos last year but has struggled to regain his form.
Neymar missed Santos’ 2-2 home draw against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana on Wednesday.
Brazil opens the World Cup against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13, before playing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
They are scheduled to play a warm-up match against Panama on May 31st and then against Egypt in preparation for the tournament.
