Neymar faces World Cup fitness deadline as Brazil monitors injury
Brazil has set a strict deadline for Neymar to prove his fitness after a calf injury disrupted the squad's preparations for the World Cup.
Neymar's participation in the upcoming World Cup has been cast into doubt following a fresh calf injury during Brazil's training camp at Granja Comary. The medical team confirmed a grade two oedema in his right calf, leading to extraordinary privacy measures at a local diagnostic centre to conduct imaging scans away from public scrutiny.
Despite the medical diagnosis suggesting a recovery timeline of three to four weeks, the star forward has publicly dismissed concerns about his physical condition. The 34-year-old, formerly of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, is currently expected to miss the team's friendly against Panama.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has engaged in direct discussions with the forward, who has reportedly accepted the possibility of a reduced role if necessary. The technical staff is adhering to strict recovery protocols alongside personal staff to monitor his progress. With FIFA regulations allowing for injury replacements up to 24 hours before the opening match, the friendly against Egypt on June 6 has been designated as the definitive benchmark to determine whether Neymar remains in the squad.