Neymar makes recovery progress ahead of World Cup opener
Medical scans confirm Neymar is recovering well from his calf injury. The forward is expected to return to ball work this week.
The Brazil national team has received encouraging news regarding their star player during World Cup preparations. A new MRI scan conducted on Monday showed significant progress in the recovery of the calf injury sustained by Neymar on May 27.
In an official statement, the medical department confirmed that the player's recovery is proceeding according to expectations. While a definitive date for his full return to competitive play remains unset, the progress will allow him to resume ball work on the training pitch this week.
The grade 2 calf injury had previously forced the forward to follow a strict individual program, including intensive physiotherapy and strengthening sessions. Throughout the team's stay in the United States, he remained at the training facility to focus exclusively on his rehabilitation under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti's staff.
Even though this is my fourth World Cup, it feels like a different sensation. Because of everything that has happened and because, obviously, it is my last. Neymar
His response to training sessions this week will be the deciding factor in determining when he can return to match action. The current outlook is optimistic, boosting expectations that he will be available for selection during the tournament's group stage.
Brazil will debut in the World Cup this Saturday against Morocco at MetLife Stadium. Their Group C campaign also includes matches against Haiti and Scotland.