Neymar Returns to Brazil Training After Long Injury Layoff

Brazil star forward Neymar has finally returned to national team training after a lengthy injury absence. After spending nearly a month on the sidelines, he took part in Brazil's training session on Wednesday in Morristown, New Jersey, marking his first appearance on the training ground with teammates during the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Neymar was seen training alongside Raphinha, Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel Magalhães and Fabinho. In a light-hearted moment, he jokingly asked reporters, “Did you miss me?”

After completing the initial team session, the 34-year-old forward continued with individual training under the supervision of Brazil's coaching staff. He had taken part in fitness drills for the first time on Tuesday.

Neymar suffered a right calf injury while playing for Santos FC on May 17 and has been unable to return to full training since then. Despite the setback, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti included him in the World Cup squad.

Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco and will next face Haiti on Friday before taking on Scotland in their final Group Stage match on June 24.

According to team sources, Brazil's medical staff are aiming to have Neymar fully fit for the knockout stage. As a result, he could miss both group-stage matches against Haiti and Scotland.

Neymar had been away from the national team for an extended period following a serious knee injury suffered in October 2023. His return to training comes after nearly 700 days away from international action, providing a major boost for Brazil and its supporters ahead of the latter stages of the tournament.

MMR