Neymar making 'positive' strides in race to be fit for World Cup opener

The Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed that Neymar is progressing well in his recovery from a right‑calf injury, following a new MRI scan that showed “positive evolution” and a rehabilitation timeline within expectations. The forward, a late addition to Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad, has been sidelined since May 17 after suffering the injury during a Brasileirao match.

Initially described by his club as a minor oedema, the issue proved more serious after further tests conducted when Brazil’s training camp opened on May 27. Neymar has since followed a gym‑based programme, missing warm‑up wins over Panama and Egypt and remaining in New Jersey to accelerate his recovery.

Ancelotti expects him to rejoin group training this week, though he remains a major doubt for Saturday’s opener against Morocco. The coach also faces another setback after full‑back Wesley was ruled out with an adductor injury sustained during the Egypt match.