Brazil’s football federation said Neymar is making good progress in his recovery from a right calf injury, though his availability for the team’s World Cup opener against Morocco on Saturday remains uncertain.
The federation said an MRI scan carried out in the United States returned results “within expected parameters,” adding that Neymar would continue the recovery and physical preparation programme set by the national team’s medical staff. No timeline for a return to play was given.
The match against Morocco takes place in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in Group C of the 2026 World Cup. Neymar has been sidelined since May, and at 34, his injury history has prompted caution from the coaching staff.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday he was hopeful Neymar could return to training this week, but made clear he would not accelerate the process. The Italian’s reluctance to take risks reflects a pattern of muscular and ligament problems that have repeatedly interrupted Neymar’s career in recent seasons.
