Neymar is expected to play at the 2026 World Cup despite a calf issue – Santos and Brazil are not worried

Santos and Brazil international Neymar has a minor calf issue. 

Santos and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) are confident he will be available for the 2026 World Cup, despite ongoing monitoring of a two-millimetre oedema in his right calf.

According to Santos reporter Lucas Barros, the issue emerged after a knock in Santos’ defeat to Coritiba in the Brazilian Championship last weekend.

However, subsequent examinations revealed no significant muscle damage.

Santos’ medical department believes such oedemas typically require five to ten days of treatment, with Neymar experiencing only moderate discomfort.

He has continued gym-based conditioning work at the club’s Rei Pele Training Centre.

Santos are not ruling Neymar out of Tuesday’s Copa Sudamericana clash with Deportivo Cuenca.

But any decision will be taken cautiously in consultation with the player, his representatives and the CBF. 

Daily medical updates are shared between club and country, as Brazil manage several fatigued players at the end of the European season ahead of their May 27 training camp at Granja Comary. 

Carlo Ancelotti selected the Brazil forward after he accumulated 862 minutes for Santos between early April and mid-May. He featured in 10 of their last 13 matches and completed 90 minutes seven times. 

Santos will host Deportivo Cuenca at Vila Belmiro on Tuesday evening, needing victory to stay in contention for a Copa Sudamericana play-off place.

Keeping Neymar fit will be key for Brazil. Despite boasting other younger big players such as Vinicius Jr and Raphinha, no one turns up for the Selecao like Neymar. 

He is the country’s leading scorer, and they will depend on his magic if they want to make their mark and end their 24-year wait for another World Cup title.