Brazil are set to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Morocco, but a key question persists on everyone's lips - Where is Neymar? The 34-year-old, who was named in their 26-man World Cup squad, is nowhere to be found ahead of the first game of the tournament.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti chose to have the Santos man in the squad despite his poor injury record and documented evidence of fitness problems, particularly in recent years.
Neymar's Injury Timeline and Brazil's Opening Match
Neymar turned out for Santos in their Brasileirao Serie A meeting with Coritiba on May 17, when a mistaken substitution saw him leave the game before he had to. Before his 'substitution', however, he had suffered a knock to his calf that left him needing medical attention.
Brazil boss Ancelotti announced his World Cup squad on the day after this game and included the former Barcelona man for the first time since his appointment.
Neymar sought medical advice over his injury and was diagnosed with a Grade 2 calf muscle injury that would sideline him for 2-3 weeks. He missed friendlies against Panama and Egypt while Ancelotti refused to bring in a replacement for him ahead of the tournament.
The forward has not yet trained with the squad and is now expected to miss out on the opener against Morocco due to his injury.
Why Ancelotti Chose Neymar Over Other Options
In a chat with the press ahead of the game against Morocco, Ancelotti told them that the veteran is working hard to return to fitness. He provided a possible timeline for his return to training ahead of the second game against Haiti.
"Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he can rejoin the group [training] next week," the Italian said.
Ancelotti defended his decision to stick with Neymar in spite of the plethora of options he has to pick from, chiefly Chelsea's Player of the Year Joao Pedro. He explained that the leadership of the experienced forward was a defining factor in his decision to select him for the World Cup.
"When we called up Neymar, we did it not just because of his technical quality, which is undeniable. But also because of his experience, the example he could represent for the younger players on the team."
Ancelotti has always been one to lean on experience over youth since his days as a club coach with Europe's biggest teams. His decision to do the same with Neymar, therefore, is understandable, knowing him.
He believes that the forward will provide more than just quality on the pitch as the Seleçao pursue a sixth title.
Could Neymar Miss the Entire Group Stage?
In spite of Ancelotti's optimistic outlook, there is a distinct possibility that Neymar could miss the entirety of the group stage. Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte cited his lack of match fitness as a key factor to consider.
The forward has not played a game since May 17 and is expected, on present trajectory, to be available for the Haiti game on June 19. This would mean that over a month has passed since his last game, predisposing him to muscle injuries if he plays.
Ancelotti is aware of the anticipation building back home in Brazil over the return to action of Neymar, who has not played for his country since October 2023.
The former Real Madrid coach must, however, exercise caution and avoid rushing the superstar forward back too quickly to avoid a relapse. If this means allowing him to sit out the entire group stage, they have the squad to do so.
