Brazilian club Santos FC has confirmed that star forward Neymar is dealing with a calf injury that will keep him out of contention for the team’s upcoming matches, raising concerns ahead of Brazil’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup.
The injury occurred during Santos’ 3-0 home defeat to Coritiba on Sunday. According to the club’s medical department, Neymar suffered edema in his right calf, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Rodrigo Zogaib, head of Santos’ medical team, confirmed the diagnosis and provided an update on the player’s condition. The injury is not being viewed as serious enough to threaten Neymar’s participation with the national side, although the forward will remain sidelined for Santos in the short term.
“According to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he will join up with the national team,” Zogaib said while outlining the recovery timeline.
The setback comes only days after Neymar received a major boost at international level. On Tuesday, the experienced forward was named in Brazil’s 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup, marking his first call-up under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The selection is seen as an important moment both for Neymar and for Ancelotti, who recently began his tenure with the Brazilian national team.
Despite concerns surrounding the calf problem, Santos officials remain optimistic that Neymar will recover in time to report for Brazil’s pre-tournament training camp. Medical staff are expected to closely monitor his rehabilitation over the coming days before he links up with the national squad.
Brazil is scheduled to play two international friendlies before the World Cup begins. The five-time world champions will first face Panama national football team on June 1 before taking on the Egypt national football team on June 6.
Neymar’s fitness will remain a major focus for Brazilian supporters and coaching staff alike, given his importance to the team’s attacking plans. While the injury has temporarily interrupted his return to action, the current expectation inside both Santos and the Brazil camp is that the forward will be available in time for the country’s World Cup preparations.
