Neymar's Road to Recovery: Latest Updates and Expected Comeback for Brazil's World Cup Hero

Concerns have been raised ahead of the 2026 World Cup after Brazil superstar Neymar appeared to pick up a calf problem while playing for Santos last weekend.

The 33-year-old was named in the Brazil squad for the upcoming tournament, and a video shared online by the player showed him visibly moved upon hearing Carlo Ancelotti's announcement.

This will almost certainly mark the iconic striker's last-ever World Cup appearance, and a strong run of form back home with his childhood club Santos has paved the way for his international comeback.

However, Neymar picked up a knock during Santos' recent fixture against Coritiba, and O Globo has reported that the problem is a "cause for concern" and has generated "tension" within the Brazil setup as Ancelotti and his coaching staff monitor the veteran's recovery.

The injury has been classified as "moderate" and is anticipated to demand a "reasonable recovery period."

Will Neymar Still Play at the World Cup?

The good news for Brazil is that Neymar's calf problem is not expected to keep him out of the competition entirely. Although he looks set to miss Santos' next couple of games, he is still anticipated to link up with his international teammates when Brazil begin their training camp on May 27.

"Neymar has a minor calf injury — an edema. The plan, based on his progress, is to have him ready to return to the CBF next week," Santos' Health Center coordinator Rodrigo Zogaib told ge.

The injury is projected to take between five and 10 days to heal, meaning Neymar could feature in Brazil's pre-tournament friendly against Panama on May 31. It should also give him ample time to be fully fit ahead of his nation's World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13.

The underlying worry, however, remains Neymar's lengthy injury history. Having been plagued by fitness problems throughout his illustrious career, any fresh news of a spell on the treatment table naturally raises legitimate concerns.

Neymar only made his return from knee surgery in February and will be hoping for a speedy recovery from this latest setback.

World Cup Previews

All 48 Teams

Bespoke Illustrations

Brazil's 2026 World Cup Roster in Full

Neymar's inclusion in the squad has not been without controversy. Chelsea's João Pedro was the most high-profile omission, and there has been a deliberate push to counter the notion that Neymar was picked at the expense of the in-form striker.

Pedro has an outstanding tally of 15 Premier League goals this season, while Neymar has earned just four Brazil caps since the 2022 World Cup.