Scans show Neymar's good progress, but return remains unclear

Neymar underwent an MRI in New Jersey this Monday (8) to reassess the grade-two muscle injury in his right calf.

According to an official CBF statement, the treatment is showing “good progress” within the expected parameters.

Despite the optimism, there is still no exact estimate of when the No. 10 will return to training with the ball.

The forward was left out of the trip to Cleveland, where Brazil won the friendly against Egypt 2-1, so he could focus on recovery.

Last weekend, the treatment included the use of an anti-gravity treadmill, equipment that allows running and walking while reducing the impact on the body.

The injury has already ruled Neymar out of the last two tests before the World Cup (against Panama and Egypt).

The coaching staff is now racing to try to get him fit for Brazil’s big World Cup opener, scheduled for June 13 against Morocco.

Injury history

The physical issue began while Neymar was still playing for Santos, in a match against Coritiba (his last game before joining Carlo Ancelotti).

At the time, Santos diagnosed the problem only as swelling.

The club’s president, Marcelo Teixeira, even recently downplayed the case, saying the player would have been fit to play for Peixe.

However, when he joined the national team on May 28, doctor Rodrigo Lasmar found a grade-two muscle tear and set a recovery timeline of two to three weeks.

CBF statement

“Player Neymar underwent an MRI this Monday. The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within the expected parameters. He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.