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Neymar calf injury sparks World Cup fears

Neymar has suffered another injury setback with Santos after being diagnosed with a minor calf issue, just days after being included in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.

According to Goal, the forward has a 2 millimetre oedema in his right calf, which has already ruled him out of recent Santos fixtures and puts his short term availability in doubt as he races to join Brazil’s national team camp.

Despite the concern, Santos’ medical staff believe the injury is not serious and expect him to recover in time for international duty. However, the situation has raised fresh questions over his fitness heading into the tournament in North America, especially given his long recovery from a serious knee injury in 2023.

READ: 2026 FIFA World Cup squads

The setback has also added scrutiny to Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to include Neymar in the squad, with concerns that the issue could disrupt his early preparation for upcoming friendlies.

Neymar, recently back in the national team setup after a long absence, remains hopeful of featuring at the World Cup, but his latest injury has once again put his physical condition under the spotlight.

FULL STORY…

Photo: Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images

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