Neymar was sidelined for Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco, and questions surround the star’s status moving forward. Neymar is dealing with a calf injury that appears to be more serious than initially expected when Brazil’s roster was announced.
While the star did not play, Neymar was with the Brazil team for the opening match. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti left the door open for Neymar to potentially return for the team’s next match against Haiti on Friday, June 19.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as soon as possible,” Ancelotti said of Neymar’s status, per ESPN. “Our expectation is that he will recover and rejoin the group next week.
“When we included him in the roster, we added him for his technical abilities, which are indisputable. But we also want him for his experience and the example he sets for the young players on the team.”
Neymar’s Injury: Will Brazil Star Play in the World Cup?
Accoring to ESPN’s Adriana Garcia, Neymar’s injury is “not minor” and appears to have taken Brazil a bit by surprise. Brazil has yet to announce a specific return timeline for Neymar while leaving the door open for the star to play at some point during the Group Stage.
“Despite Neymar’s optimism, Brazil’s medical staff is taking a cautious approach to the player’s condition and has drawn up a specific program for him,” Garcia wrote in a May 27, story titled, “Neymar plays down calf injury ahead of World Cup: ‘What problem?’”
“Sources told ESPN that the swelling in Neymar’s right calf is not minor and that the required recovery time may be longer than initially stated by Santos. Hence, it’s unlikely that Neymar will be fit to play in the warm-up games against Panama and Egypt, on May 31 and June 5, respectively.”
Vini Jr. on Neymar’s Injury: ‘It Seems Everything Is Progressing Well’
Neymar’s teammates are hoping the star can return sooner rather than later. Brazil star Vini Jr. noted that “it seems everything is progressing well” with Neymar’s injury.
“I hope he can return as soon as possible and contribute like everyone else,” Vini Jr. told Gazzetta ahead of the World Cup. “I grew up watching his moves, copying his style.
“He was a fundamental figure in my life as a young footballer. Football needs him, and so do we. I hope he recovers quickly; it seems everything is progressing well.”
Neymar Made Brazil’s Roster Over Chelsea Star Joao Pedro Among Others
While many Brazil fans were rooting for Neymar’s inclusion on the roster, the star’s presence over the likes of Chelsea star Joao Pedro among others sparked some questions in the soccer world. Brazil’s boss defended Neymar’s presence on the squad.
“He has improved his fitness,” Ancelotti noted on May 18, after the roster release, per ESPN. “He will be an important player in this World Cup. He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group; he can create a better environment in this group.
“We chose Neymar not because we think he’ll be a good substitute. We chose Neymar because we believe he can help the team, whether it’s for one minute, five minutes, 90 minutes or even taking a penalty.”
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