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Neymar’s World Cup wait continues after Brazil confirmed the Santos star will miss the Haiti clash, with hopes now growing that he could return for the knockout rounds.
Neymar is yet to feature for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup (AP)
The long-awaited return of Neymar will have to wait a little longer.
Brazil confirmed on Thursday that the veteran forward will neither travel nor feature in Friday’s FIFA World Cup Group C clash against Haiti, as the five-time world champions continue to carefully manage his recovery from a calf injury.
The 34-year-old Santos star has been sidelined for a month with a right calf problem suffered on May 17 and is yet to make an appearance at the tournament. While there have been encouraging signs in recent days, Brazil’s medical staff are clearly unwilling to rush their talisman back into action.
Recovery Still The Priority
In a statement, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said Neymar would remain in New Jersey rather than travel with the squad to Philadelphia.
“He will remain in New Jersey to optimize the final phase of his recovery process, making use of the excellent facilities at The Ridge hotel and the Columbia Park training center,” the CBF said.
The facilities belong to MLS side New York Red Bulls and have become Neymar’s temporary recovery base as he works toward full fitness.
‘Did You Miss Me?’
There was a glimpse of optimism on Wednesday when Neymar trained in full kit and briefly joined his teammates on the pitch in Morristown, New Jersey.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star shared a light-hearted moment with reporters, joking:
“Did you miss me?”
Neymar initially participated in team activities alongside Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Fabinho before moving to the sidelines for individual drills with Brazil’s coaching staff.
A day earlier, he had completed running exercises and fitness work under the supervision of Carlo Ancelotti’s staff.
Knockout Stage Target
Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco and now face Haiti before concluding Group C against Scotland on June 24.
Reports in Brazilian media suggest the team’s medical department is targeting a return for the knockout rounds rather than risking Neymar in the group stage.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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