Neymar still not training with ball and may miss Brazil's second World Cup game too
Without training for 25 days, the No. 10 could miss Brazil's first two games at the World Cup
It wasn't just the opener. Neymar could miss Brazil's second World Cup game as well.
The No. 10 sat out the opening match against Morocco and, according to UOL Esporte, remains a doubt for the clash with Haiti on the 19th in Philadelphia. As recently as last week, sources inside the squad were guaranteeing his presence. Now the picture has changed: his prognosis is being reassessed day by day.
The injury itself is no longer the main issue. Neymar suffered a Grade 2 calf strain in his right leg on May 17th and is close to returning to ball work — but he has already gone 25 days without setting foot on a pitch. Even if he is medically cleared by the 19th, the internal assessment is clear: not enough time to regain match sharpness.
The press gathered outside training sessions in New Jersey hoping to see him appear. It hasn't happened yet.
The CBF has given no return date. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has signalled that Neymar will be kept in the squad — but he has not taken part in a single training session throughout the entire World Cup build-up.
Brazil close out the group stage on the 24th in Miami. If Neymar doesn't play against Haiti, that will be his last chance to make his group-stage debut.
Golmetria's model gives Brazil a 9.1% chance of winning the title — and the market sees something similar. Without their biggest name on the pitch, every game that passes carries more weight.
The sixth star waits for no one. Not even Neymar.