Neymar Set to Miss Brazil’s Next Two World Cup Matches Due to Inj

Brazil star Neymar is set to miss his country's next two FIFA World Cup group-stage matches as he continues to recover from injury, raising doubts over whether he will be able to feature in the tournament at all.

The 34-year-old forward was unavailable for Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is now expected to be without Neymar for the Seleção’s upcoming fixtures against Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 25.

Neymar suffered a muscle injury while playing for Santos FC on May 17. Although he joined Brazil’s training camp 10 days later, he has yet to resume full training with the squad.

According to ESPN, Neymar will not be available for either of Brazil’s remaining group-stage matches. The report added that the Brazilian star, who is currently with the team in the United States, recently underwent another medical examination. The test was reportedly a follow-up to an assessment carried out last week.

However, the Brazilian Football Confederation has not yet disclosed the results of the latest examination.

The Associated Press reported that Neymar had been expected to return to training on Monday. Instead, he visited a hospital for further tests, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his condition.

Several Brazilian media outlets have claimed that the national team’s medical staff remain hopeful of having Neymar fully fit before the knockout stages. If that proves to be the case, the veteran forward will miss both group-stage matches against Haiti and Scotland.

Ahead of the Morocco game, Ancelotti expressed optimism over Neymar’s recovery.

“Neymar is working hard to recover as quickly as possible,” the Brazilian coach said. “We expect him to regain full fitness and rejoin the squad next week.”

Brazil will be hoping to secure qualification for the knockout phase before Neymar’s anticipated return as they seek another World Cup title.