Neymar To Undergo MRI On Calf Injury Ahead Of World Cup

Brazil are waiting on crucial scan results for Neymar, as Carlo Ancelotti manages preparations for the World Cup and a final warm-up match against Egypt. The forward is already ruled out of Saturday’s friendly in Cleveland, while the MRI scheduled for Monday may determine if Neymar can feature against Morocco in Brazil’s tournament opener on June 13.

Neymar has been out of action for the national team since October 2023, missing every Brazil match through a series of injuries. This latest setback came on May 17, when Neymar injured a calf while playing for Santos, just one day before Brazil confirmed the World Cup squad and named the attacker in the group.

Ancelotti explained that Neymar is working alone for now and will only rejoin full training if the medical check is positive. “I think his situation is quite clear,” Ancelotti said of Neymar in Friday’s press conference. “He’s doing a great job on his own. After the weekend, he’ll have an MRI scan, and then, if everything goes well, he can train with the squad next week.”

Despite the concern from Ancelotti and the staff, Neymar has said publicly that the current injury is not causing worry. The forward remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and is regarded as a central figure in the attack. Brazil hope to have Neymar available for the match against Morocco, but the MRI could still rule Neymar out of that fixture.

While Neymar stays on the sidelines in Cleveland, Ancelotti plans to use the Egypt game as a final assessment of the squad. Brazil view the friendly as the last chance to review tactical options before the World Cup starts, with the focus on combining established players and those pushing for starting roles.

One of the main decisions involves Igor Thiago, who will start alongside Lucas Paqueta against Egypt. Both players came off the bench in Brazil’s 6-2 win over Panama and scored, with Thiago also registering an assist. Ancelotti wants to see how they perform from kick-off in a competitive friendly environment.

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Ancelotti stressed that, beyond individual form, this fixture helps refine the team structure. “It’s the last match to run tests,” Ancelotti added. “Paqueta is an important player for us because he has different characteristics from the other midfielders. I want to test him and test Igor Thiago in the game. I think the system with the front four is already well established. I want to test a new alternative in this final test.”

Igor Thiago enters the match after an impressive 2025-26 Premier League campaign, finishing as the second-highest scorer in the competition with 22 goals. That record, combined with the strong display against Panama, gives Ancelotti further attacking choices as Brazil aim to fine-tune roles before the World Cup.

The Brazilian Football Confederation shared final training updates before the Egypt game, highlighting the last session before the friendly.

As the World Cup approaches, Brazil balance optimism and caution. Neymar’s scan on Monday will shape plans for the opening match against Morocco, while the Egypt friendly in Cleveland offers a final test for Igor Thiago, Lucas Paqueta and the front-four system that Ancelotti considers largely settled.