Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will miss Brazil's World Cup opener against Morocco on 13 June. The veteran forward has been unable to return to full training owing to a persistent calf injury.
Neymar, 34, has not represented Brazil since 2023. Ancelotti stated: 'Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week. When we call up Neymar, we call him not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience and the example he can set for the young players in this group.'
The former Paris St-Germain and Barcelona forward's availability for Brazil's second match against Haiti on 20 June remains doubtful. Brazil complete their group stage against Scotland on 24 June. Neymar is Brazil's all-time leading international goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, surpassing Pelé's previous record of 77.
Neymar's absence removes Brazil's most experienced attacking playmaker from their tournament opener. Markets on goal scorers, match goals, and Brazil's attacking output may adjust to reflect reduced creative resources until the forward's potential return to the squad.
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