Brazil’s World Cup preparations were disrupted on Wednesday when Neymar missed the national team’s first training session to undergo medical tests, putting his place in the squad at stake.
The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) confirmed that the 34-year-old striker, who is recovering from an injury to his right calf, did not participate in the closed session at their facilities in Granja Comary and has been referred to a private clinic in Teresopolis for imaging tests.
In a statement, the CBF said “no further information will be released until the Brazilian national team medical staff have completed their assessments,” but Neymar’s absence quickly became the dominant storyline on the second day of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup training camp.
Brazil will hold three more sessions in Granja Comary before Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracana.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is already without three players for that match. Defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, along with striker Gabriel Martinelli, are involved in Saturday’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Neymar’s recall last week caused widespread excitement as he was not included in Ancelotti’s plans during the Italian’s year in charge.
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and has not played for his country since 2023. His return to the team came amid criticism over his fitness and form after years of injury problems and a disappointing spell at Santos.
The timing could hardly be more delicate. After facing Panama, Brazil will meet Egypt in Cleveland in its final friendly before opening its World Cup campaign against African champions Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. Brazil and Morocco are drawn in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland.
In an interview with Reuters In early May, Ancelotti made it clear that reputation alone would not secure Neymar’s place.
He said Neymar would receive no special treatment and that his place in the squad would be strictly based on fitness and form, not sentiment.
For now, Brazil is waiting for the medical verdict – and whether its most recognizable name will be in the spotlight next month.
Published on May 28, 2026
