Neymar's Injury Alters Brazil's World Cup Prep

Neymar faces a potential miss of Brazil's World Cup opener after being ruled out of the national team's friendlies due to a Grade 2 calf injury, revealed by recent scans. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) stated he requires two to three weeks for recovery, posing a significant challenge for the team.

CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed Neymar's condition after extensive medical evaluations, which included an MRI showing more than just swelling—a partial muscle tear. Despite joining the national camp earlier, Neymar was absent from initial training, later visiting a Teresopolis clinic due to right calf swelling concerns.

The injury means Neymar will miss the friendlies against Panama and Egypt, and he's unlikely to play in Brazil's World Cup match against Morocco. With Neymar's fitness under scrutiny, Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti also deals with the absence of key players involved in the UEFA Champions League final. Still, Neymar, fresh from attending a Copa Sudamericana match, dismissed worries with a nonchalant, "What problem?"

(With inputs from agencies.)