Neymar Suffers Calf Injury Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Brazil forward Neymar has suffered a minor calf injury just days after being named in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The 34-year-old sustained the issue while playing for boyhood club Santos.

It comes only three weeks before the tournament gets underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, the club’s medical department expects the veteran attacker to recover in time to join his national teammates next week.

“Neymar has a minor calf injury, an edema,” said Santos head of medical Rodrigo Zogaib.

“But, according to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he will join up with the national team.”

Return from long-term absence

The former Paris St-Germain star has not featured for his country since suffering a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2023.

This upcoming tournament represents what is likely his final opportunity to secure a major international honour with the five-time world champions.

Should the Santos talisman fail to recover, Chelsea forward Joao Pedro is expected to be first in line as a replacement.

The 24-year-old was controversially omitted from the final 26-man selection despite a stellar debut season in London.

Pedro netted 20 goals for the Blues this term, prompting Ancelotti to publicly acknowledge the difficulty of leaving him behind.

“For the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list, but unfortunately we chose another player,” Ancelotti explained.

“I feel very sorry for Joao Pedro and all the others.”