Neymar’s World Cup availability hinges on Monday MRI as Brazil prepares for Morocco opener
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti awaits scan results to determine if Neymar will face Morocco in New Jersey or focus on the Haiti fixture in Philadelphia
Brazilian national team forward Neymar is scheduled to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on Monday, 8 June, to assess the status of a right calf injury. The results of the scan will determine whether Neymar is fit to participate in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on Saturday, 13 June, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make the final decision on Neymar’s availability based on the medical findings.
Neymar’s private jet arrived in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, and he has been staying in the Miami area, which has been designated for the accommodation of all Brazilian players’ families during the tournament. The forward skipped his scheduled day off on Sunday to undergo double physiotherapy sessions and muscle-strengthening exercises. Medical staff report that Neymar has been pain-free for several days and is showing clinical improvement.
If the MRI confirms healing, Neymar is expected to rejoin team training on Monday or Tuesday. Brazil’s training session is scheduled for 6 p.m. (Brasília time) on Monday. The match against Morocco is scheduled for 7 p.m. at MetLife Stadium.
If the scan indicates a need for further caution, Neymar’s recovery focus will shift towards the second group-stage match against Haiti on 19 June in Philadelphia. This report concerns the Brazilian national team’s preparations for the tournament.
The outcome of the MRI scan on Monday remains unknown and will dictate Neymar’s immediate availability. It is currently uncertain whether Neymar will be included in the squad for the opener against Morocco or if he will be ruled out in favour of the Haiti match.
The final decision on Neymar’s availability rests with head coach Carlo Ancelotti based on medical findings. Uncertainty remains regarding whether Neymar will be included in the squad for the opener against Morocco.
