BREAKING: Brazil Get Neymar Injury Blow After Pedro World Cup Snub

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According to a report by Evening Standard on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Brazil have been dealt a major setback after Neymar suffered a calf injury just days before their World Cup preparations intensify, placing his participation in doubt.

The 34-year-old forward, who currently plays for Santos, was a surprise inclusion in Brazil’s squad named by head coach Carlo Ancelotti after a prolonged absence from international duty. However, his return has now been thrown into uncertainty following the latest medical assessment.

According to Brazil’s team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, Neymar is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks after an MRI scan confirmed a grade two muscle injury in his calf. The injury had already caused him to miss recent matches for Santos and now threatens to derail his international comeback.

The timing of the setback is particularly damaging, with Brazil scheduled to play warm-up fixtures against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 6 as part of their final preparations for the tournament.

Medical staff have indicated that Neymar’s recovery timeline makes him a doubt for both matches, with concerns also growing over his availability for Brazil’s opening group-stage fixture against Morocco on June 13, which is now less than three weeks away.

Lasmar stated that Neymar’s condition had been carefully assessed following imaging tests and confirmed that the injury would require a recovery period of approximately two to three weeks. He added that the medical team would continue to monitor the forward’s progress before making any final decisions regarding his tournament participation.

The situation has placed Neymar’s international future under increased scrutiny. Reports in Brazil suggest that the forward has been given a deadline to prove his fitness before a final squad decision is made, with the option of withdrawal from the tournament still on the table if he fails to recover in time.

Neymar, who has earned 128 caps for Brazil, has not played for the national team since 2023, when he featured in a World Cup qualifying defeat against Uruguay. His latest injury setback raises further questions over whether he will feature at another major international tournament.

The uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s availability could also open the door for Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, who was a surprise omission from Ancelotti’s initial squad despite an impressive debut season in the Premier League.

Joao Pedro scored 20 goals and provided nine assists in all competitions during his first campaign in English football, making a strong case for inclusion.

Should Brazil be forced to replace Neymar, the Chelsea striker is expected to be among the leading candidates for a late call-up, even though he offers a different profile to the experienced forward.