Neymar skips Egypt friendly as MRI to decide World Cup fate
Brazil’s coach Ancelotti expects forward fit for Morocco opener on June 13; calf scan on Monday to confirm
Brazil's Neymar looks on before a friendly soccer match against Panama in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, May 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) Neymar stayed behind in New Jersey on Friday as the rest of the Brazil squad travelled to Cleveland for Saturday’s friendly against Egypt, the last warmup before their World Cup opener.
The number 10 is recovering from a grade two calf strain picked up during the preparation camp in Teresópolis on May 27. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed at a press conference that Neymar will undergo an MRI on Monday. “He’s doing a great job individually. If everything is alright, he’ll be able to train with the group next week,” Ancelotti said.
The medical team had projected a two-to-three week recovery window when the injury was first diagnosed. A clean scan on Monday would put him back in group training with time to spare before Brazil’s tournament opener against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ancelotti has said he expects Neymar fit for that match, but added that if not, he would be ready for the second group game against Haiti on June 18.
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