Neymar’s World Cup 2026 Hopes Get Boost After Santos Statement

Santos are confident Neymar will recover in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and have eased fears over the fitness of their star forward. After joining Brazil’s training camp earlier this week, the 34-year-old underwent further medical examinations, which revealed a grade-two muscle strain in his right calf.

Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said on Thursday that Neymar is likely to be out for at least two weeks, casting doubt over his availability for Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 13.

The injury occurred in Santos’ latest defeat against Coritiba on May 17, only one day before newly appointed Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his final World Cup squad.

Initially, Santos assessed the problem as calf oedema and were optimistic that the forward would be fit enough for international duty.

But after questions were raised about how Neymar’s condition had been managed, Santos released an official statement backing their medical staff and stressing that all relevant reports had already been provided to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

“The two-week period began on the 17th and ends this Sunday, by which time the player should be fit to return to training. It should always be borne in mind that these estimates vary from person to person and depend on the team’s needs and the importance of the matches.” said the Santos statement.

Meanwhile, the club also said that its medical department is in continuous contact with the CBF, meaning Neymar’s recovery and progress are being closely monitored.

“The Brazilian national team’s physiotherapy team also includes professionals from Santos FC who have been working with Neymar Jr. for over 10 years and throughout this entire recovery process.” said the Santos statement.

The club further stated that its medical staff are fully aware of the tournament schedule, so they are highly confident that Neymar will regain full fitness in time for the event.

“The club’s medical department is aligned with and in agreement with the treatment schedule set by the CBF’s medical team. The professionals at Santos FC are familiar with the player’s recovery capacity and are confident that Neymar will be ready to play in the World Cup.” said the Santos statement.

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 international goals, but he has not featured for the national team since picking up an ACL injury in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.

Even with doubts over his fitness, he was still picked in Brazil’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted together by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.