Neymar also missed the match against Haiti

Neymar Jr. was not in the draw against Morocco in the 2026 World Cup campaign. This time, the star forward of Brazil was also dropped from the second group stage match against Haiti. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced in a statement that Neymar will not be traveling with the team to Philadelphia.

According to various international media reports, Neymar is in the final stages of his full recovery from the injury. Therefore, he has been left in New Jersey without taking any risks, where he will work on his fitness under close observation using the facilities of The Ridge Hotel and Columbia Park Training Center.

Although he was seen in national team training for the first time on Wednesday, June 17, Brazil's medical department is very cautious about Neymar's well-being. Several medical tests and scans are being conducted to understand the progress of his injury. But for now, he is not allowed to participate in risky exercises such as physical contact or tackles.

Earlier, Neymar injured his right calf while playing for Brazilian club Santos on May 17. He joined Carlo Ancelotti's 26-member World Cup squad with that injury. Although he has now recovered from the injury, he is far from match fitness. As a result, the Brazilian superstar is not playing against Haiti either.

It is worth noting that five-time world champion Brazil will face Haiti in a crucial Group 'C' match in Philadelphia on Friday (June 20). After losing a point to Morocco in the first match, Brazil has no choice but to win this match. The team hopes that Neymar will regain his full fitness before the knockout stage.