Victim of a calf edema, Neymar missed the Copa Sudamericana match between Santos and San Lorenzo (2-2) on Wednesday. And his situation is already tense within the Brazilian national team two days after being selected for the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar (34 years old) is already causing tension in Brazil. Two days after being included in the group of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, the attacking midfielder had to withdraw from the match between Santos and San Lorenzo (2-2) on Wednesday in the Copa Sudamericana due to a calf edema. He watched the match from the stands with his daughter on his lap. According to ESPN Brasil, the former Barcelona and PSG player may not be able to train for about ten days due to the inflammation and location of the injury.
**Context: Neymar is dealing with a calf injury that caused him to miss a match for his club team, Santos, and could impact his ability to train for the upcoming World Cup.
Fact Check: Neymar’s age is mentioned as 34 years old in the article.
The Brazilian medical staff already forced to revise its plans
This is already causing concern for the Seleção staff, who may have to adjust Neymar’s program upon his arrival on May 27. The initial idea was for the player to be at 100% and participate normally in training sessions from the start of the gathering scheduled for May 27, and then start as a starter in the friendly against Panama on May 31 at Maracana. But this setback requires the medical staff to plan a specific recovery program for the first days. Until then, Neymar is unlikely to play in Santos’ next two matches against Grêmio and Deportivo Cuenca after missing the one on Wednesday.
“Everything regarding Neymar is complex”
After the match, Cuca, the Santos coach, avoided discussing a return date for his playmaker to competition. Will he play before the World Cup? “It’s difficult to talk about it,” he said. “Everything regarding Neymar is complex, we must be very cautious. I prefer to wait and see how things evolve internally, and I think that, medically speaking, if he is fit to play on Tuesday, he will be available because his injury is minor.”
After his selection announcement, which had generated huge collective joy in Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti had quickly warned the player by not guaranteeing him significant playing time. “We chose Neymar not because we think he will be a good substitute, but because he can contribute to the team with his qualities. Whether he plays one minute, five minutes, doesn’t play, plays 90 minutes, takes a penalty… How many minutes? I don’t know. The quality of his playing time? I believe we should focus on the quality of his playing time, collectively on the field. I want to be clear, honest, and direct: he will play if he deserves it. Training will decide. I think it is important not to place all hopes on a single player.”
