Brazil's Neymar to have MRI on nagging calf injury

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th June, 12:47 2026

Nov 24, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Brazil forward Neymar (10) reacts against Serbia during the first half in a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images

Brazil forward Neymar will undergo an MRI on his right calf to help determine his fitness for the World Cup.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti provided the update about Brazil's all-time leading scorer at a press conference on Friday.

The MRI will be on Monday. Brazil plays its Group C opener against Morocco on June 13 in East Rutherford, N.J.

"I think his situation is quite clear," Ancelotti said, per ESPN. "He's doing a great job on his own. After the weekend, he'll have an MRI scan and then, if everything goes well, he can train with the squad next week."

Neymar, 34, was diagnosed with a Grade 2 muscle strain in his right calf on May 28. He was injured on May 17 playing for Santos FC in Brazil.

Neymar's 79 career goals for the national team -- the most all-time for Brazil -- include eight in three World Cup appearances (2014, 2018, 2022).

Brazil holds the record with five World Cup titles but has not lifted the trophy since 2002. Ranked No. 6 in the world, Brazil also will face Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia and Scotland on June 24 in Miami.

--Field Level Media

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