Academica · Attacker · #49 · 23 yrs
After numerous absences, Neymar sparked excitement with his return to Brazil, earning a place in the anticipated tournament. However, the veteran reportedly missed Santos FC’s latest training session, raising concerns over his physical condition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Neymar Jr. has managed to remain one of the standout performers for Santos FC, shining creatively while maintaining rare physical consistency after years of injury setbacks. However, he recently dealt with physical discomfort that initially appeared minor ahead of upcoming matches. Despite this, the 34-year-old star reportedly missed his team’s latest training session, raising significant concerns about his fitness ahead the 2026 World Cup with Brazil. According to UOL Esporte, Neymar was absent from Santos FC training due to edema in his calf. As a result, the Brazilian star is expected to miss the club’s final two matches against Deportivo Cuenca and Esporte Clube Vitória. With this development, the 34-year-old’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil could reportedly come into question, as the severity of the injury may prove more serious than initially expected. Despite his likely absence for Santos FC in the upcoming matches, Brazil have reportedly decided to wait for Neymar until the squad’s training camp on May 27. As per Pedro Ivo Almeida via ESPN, both parties are expected to assess the extent of the injury before deciding whether the veteran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nevertheless, Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly open to Neymar missing both friendlies, provided he follows a specific physical conditioning plan. Amid the growing reports surrounding his injury, a potential appearance by Neymar in one of Santos FC’s final matches would likely silence many of the concerns regarding his fitness. However, the 34-year-old’s absence from training and his possible unavailability for upcoming games could force Brazil to begin preparing alternative scenarios for the final squad, potentially reopening the door for João Pedro to earn a place in the setup. Neymar of Santos. Vinicius Jr. set to hand Neymar Brazil’s No. 10 for 2026 World Cup Throughout his professional career, Neymar has become as one of the greatest players in the history of Brazil, surpassing Pelé as the nation’s all-time leading scorer. Because of this, his potential presence at the 2026 World Cup would provide a major boost to the dressing room. Amid growing concerns over a possible serious injury, Vinícius Júnior revealed that he will hand back the iconic No. 10 shirt to the veteran star for the tournament. In an interview with CazéTV, Vinícius Júnior revealed : “I don’t know what number I’ll wear at the World Cup, but the No. 10 belongs to Neymar, that’s obvious.” With this gesture, the 25-year-old star demonstrates that the 34-year-old is set to remain as the leader of the dressing room, making his presence crucial. Nevertheless, the veteran star still needs to secure his presence in the anticipated tournament, depending on his fitness on May 27th.
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 16:00 BST). McFarlane said Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill both trained on Friday and were looking "promising" with a hope the pair will be "fit for Sunday."
In recent weeks, Barcelona appear to have pivoted their transfer policy, moving away from top target Julian Alvarez to focus on other attackers, including Joao Pedro.However, the intense speculation s...
Neymar Jr. has been included in Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, he could miss the national team friendlies, as there is reportedly an ongoing debate regarding his calf injury, making his availability subject to evaluation until May 27th. Neymar Jr. has managed to secure a place in Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Despite serious doubts surrounding his physical condition, head coach Carlo Ancelotti and his staff decided to trust his veteran leadership and experience. However, Neymar is dealing with calf problems at Santos. Because of this, he could reportedly miss the friendlies, as there is a dilemma regarding the true state of his injury. According to Pedro Ivo Almeida via ESPN Brazil, Neymar has edema in the calf of his right leg. Because of this, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Santos FC have two different perspectives regarding the severity of the injury. While Brazil consider that he will not be available for the debut on May 31, Santos believe that he could be ready to play on May 26 in the Copa Sudamericana. Despite these differences, the CBF are not considering removing the 34-year-old star from the 26-man squad, as they expect him to recover in the coming weeks. However, they are already planning a specific recovery program for the first days of training camp, making his presence against Panama and Egypt highly doubtful. Because of this, both parties have decided to wait for the final report on May 27 before making a decision regarding his availability. In case that that Neymar fails to recover for the 2026 World Cup debut, head coach Carlo Ancelotti could decide to leave him out of the final list. With his presence in the friendly games in doubt, the 34-year-old star is expected to have a specific workout plan to boost his fitness. The CBF and Santos FC remain positive about the evolution of his physical condition, so no additional scenarios are being planned yet. Neymar Jr. of Brazil celebrates after scoring. Joao Pedro could still replace Neymar for Brazil at 2026 World Cup Throughout the last few months, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar, nor any other player, would receive special treatment. With this in mind, the 34-year-old star could be left out if he does not arrive in full condition for Brazil’s debut at the 2026 World Cup. In that case, João Pedro would have every chance of entering the Canarinha’s final 26-man list, as he has been part of the national team process in previous matches. After leaving João out of the final squad list, Carlo Ancelotti revealed: “Obviously, I am sad for Joao Pedro, who for the season he made in Europe probably deserved to be in this list,” he said at the press conference. With his great versatility, the 24-year-old star could cover the attacking midfielder role, both wings, and the striker position. Because of this, Neymar’s potential absence due to his calf injury opens the doors to the national team.
