By Kwame Bediako
Just two days after his surprise inclusion in Brazil’s 26‑man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Neymar Jr. has picked up a right‑calf injury that has sidelined him for several club matches.
The Santos FC forward is dealing with a 2‑millimetre edema in his right calf, which caused swelling and has kept him out of recent action.
Nature of the injury and club impact
Santos’ head of medical staff, Rodrigo Zogaib, confirmed that Neymar suffered a small‑volume edema in his right calf, leading to his absence from the 2‑2 draw with San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana.
He is expected to miss Santos’ upcoming Brazilian League clash against Grêmio on Saturday, May 23 and their Copa Sudamericana match against Deportivo Cuenca on Tuesday, May 26.
Outlook for the World Cup
Despite the setback, current reports indicate that Neymar is expected to recover in time for the World Cup, where Brazil are in Group C alongside Haiti, Scotland and Morocco.
His selection was already a talking point, as he edged out Chelsea’s 2025–26 Player of the Year, João Pedro, for the final squad spot, so his fitness will be closely monitored as the tournament approaches.
