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Neymar will not travel to Cleveland with Brazil’s World Cup squad for preparation against Egypt on Saturday, according to the country’s soccer federation.
The Brazilian Football Confederation announced Thursday that the 34-year-old striker would remain in New Jersey to undergo treatment.
Last week, the team doctor said Neymar was expected to be out for two to three weeks with a calf injury. Brazil’s World Cup opener is June 13 against Morocco in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and it was unclear whether Neymar would be willing to play there.
(Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Choosing Neymar for the 26-man roster was considered a risk due to his health. He is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79, but has struggled since returning from a torn ACL in his left knee in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifying match.
“He can still improve his physical condition until the first match of the World Cup,” coach Carlos Ancelotti said last month. “He has experience in this kind of competition, love for our group, he can create a better environment in this group.”
Neymar has made eight appearances for Santos FC this year and has four goals and two assists.
FIFA rules allow the replacement of an injured player up to one day before a team’s first match at the tournament. If he plays, it would be Neymar’s fourth World Cup.
Brazil named defender Marquinhos, 32, captain earlier this week.
“You think of all the legendary captains who have already worn this armband, so I feel very honored and very happy,” Marquinhos said in Portuguese on Wednesday. “Being captain is not just about wearing the armband and playing football. It is much more than that. It starts with the person and what you can bring to the group, to your teammates and to the team as a whole.”
Associated Press reporting.
