2026 World Cup: Ancelotti could drop Neymar from Brazil squad

Brazil have set a medical deadline for Neymar Jr to keep his spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Neymar remains a big doubt ahead of Selecao’s upcoming warm-up matches.

The Santos forward’s is dealing with a grade two calf tear, which is now the subject of significant apprehension in the team’s camp.

According to Globoreports, the CBF had to close a local diagnostic centre to the public, to ensure absolute privacy for the superstar’s imaging scan.

Although Santos provided initial medical clearance, doctors in the national team have had to carry out further tests confirming a grade two oedema.

Rodrigo Lasmar, the national team’s doctor, confirmed on Thursday: “Neymar arrived at Granja Comary yesterday, underwent all the medical exams, and we finished with an MRI, which identified a grade 2 muscle injury. 

“The athlete is continuing treatment, and the expectation is that he will be cleared in two to three weeks.”