Brazil team doctor issues Neymar injury update: World Cup opener in doubt
The Brazil icon was a surprise selection from head coach Carlo Ancelotti. On Wednesday he left the team’s training camp to undergo medical tests.
Brazil could be without Neymar for the first game of the World Cup after the veteran superstar was diagnosed with a right calf strain.
The 34-year-old joined up with the rest of the Brazilian national team this week but was unable to take part in the team’s first scheduled practice session on Wednesday. He was taken to a nearby clinic for further tests.
Speaking on Thursday, Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said: “‘Neymar reported for duty yesterday at [Brazil training centre] Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests, and we finished with an MRI scan, which revealed a grade 2 muscle strain.”
He continued: “The player is continuing his treatment, and we expect him to be cleared to play in two to three weeks.”
That length of absence would mean that Neymar misses both warm-up friendlies against Panama (May 31) and Egypt (June 5). Brazil begin their World Cup campaign against Morocoo on June 13, with Neymar now a real doubt for the opener.
After that, Carlo Ancelotti’s team will take on Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 24.
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