Neymar injury threatens Brazil forward’s World Cup as scans needed on calf

Brazil’s record scorer, Neymar, has not played since 2023, but injury now appears to threaten his World Cup comeback.Brazil’s World ‌Cup preparations were jolted as Neymar missed the national team’s ⁠first training session ⁠to undergo medical tests, leaving his place in the squad hanging in the balance.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the 34-year-old forward, who is recovering ⁠from an injury to his right calf, did not take part in the closed session at their facilities in Granja Comary and was referred to a private ⁠clinic in Teresopolis for imaging tests.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Scotland fans book 20 school buses for games at ‘inaccessible’ US World Cuplist 2 of 4Who is Moise Kouame, the youngest French Open match winner since 1991?list 3 of 4Minorities at World Cup fear ICE threat and how US immigration is enforcedlist 4 of 4World Cup broadcast hopes boosted in India as Zee Entertainment in talksend of listIn a statement, the CBF said “no further information will be released until the Brazilian national team’s medical staff have completed their assessments,” but Neymar’s absence quickly became the dominant storyline on the second day of Brazil’s training camp for ‌the 2026 World Cup.Brazil will hold three further sessions at Granja Comary before Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracana.Manager Carlo Ancelotti is already without three players for that fixture. Defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, along with forward Gabriel Martinelli, are involved in Saturday’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.Neymar’s recall last week generated widespread excitement because he had not featured in Ancelotti’s plans ⁠during the Italian’s year in charge.Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with ⁠79 goals in 128 appearances, Neymar has not played for his country since 2023. His return to the fold came amid scrutiny over his fitness and form following years of injury trouble and an ⁠underwhelming spell back at Santos.