Neymar receives injury boost in race to be fit for Brazil’s World Cup opener

Neymar‘s World Cup hopes have been given a boost after Brazil announced he was making “good progress” in his recovery from a calf injury.

Brazil‘s all-time leading scorer was expected to be sidelined for between two to three weeks after scans last month revealed a grade two muscle tear.

The 34-year-old had a further scan on Monday and the Brazilian Football Confederation said in a brief statement: “The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters.

“He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team‘s medical staff.”

Neymar has missed Brazil’s two warm-up friendlies, last month’s 6-2 win against Panama and Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Egypt, and faces a race to be fit in time for their opening World Cup group game against Morocco on 13 June.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker, who returned to his boyhood club Santos in early 2025, has been dogged by injury issues in recent seasons.

He ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil against Uruguay in October 2023.

Nevertheless, he was able to overcome these setbacks to make Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for this summer’s tournament ahead of the likes of Joao Pedro.

Neymar has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil and is hoping to appear at a fourth World Cup having featured at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.