Brazil's World Cup preparations hit a snag Wednesday as Neymar missed the team's first training session to undergo medical tests for a right calf injury. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the 34-year-old forward was sent to a clinic for imaging tests, with no further updates until assessments are complete.
Neymar's absence dominated headlines on the second day of camp for the 2026 World Cup. Brazil faces Panama on Sunday at the Maracana without defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, plus forward Gabriel Martinelli, all involved in Saturday's Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has yet to field Neymar in his year in charge, has insisted the player's place depends on fitness and form. Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, hasn't played for the national team since 2023 after an underwhelming spell at Santos.
After Panama, Brazil meets Egypt in Cleveland before opening Group C play against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.