Neymar skipped Brazil’s opening practice ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June while undergoing extra medical checks for a bruised right calf, the Brazilian Football Confederation reported. The player has been sidelined since May 17 after the injury occurred in a Santos match against Coritiba. The team’s medical staff conducted further scans to assess the problem fully. Neymar traveled to the national camp near Rio de Janeiro but stayed off the pitch during the session. His availability for the opening warm-up game versus Panama in Brasilia on Sunday is uncertain. Brazil will face Egypt in a second preparation match on June 5. The forward downplayed concerns about his condition after a recent Santos match. Brazil begins its campaign for a sixth title against Morocco on June 13. Neymar, with 79 goals for the national team, returns after an ACL injury in 2023 and aims for his first World Cup win in his fourth appearance. The coach has stressed the need for full fitness in selections.
