Neymar's Injury Sidelines Him from World Cup Opener

Brazilian star Neymar is out of Brazil's upcoming friendlies and their World Cup opener due to a grade-two calf injury. Despite his recent return to the national team, he faces weeks of recovery after imaging revealed more than just swelling, as initially thought. Now, Brazil must strategize without him.

Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's upcoming friendlies and is set to miss their World Cup opener after scans revealed a grade-two calf injury, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

The news was confirmed by CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who announced that the 34-year-old forward will require two to three weeks of recovery. Neymar underwent medical tests and an MRI which showed a partial tear in his right calf, contradicting earlier reports that the issue was merely swelling.

This injury means Neymar will miss Sunday's friendly against Panama at the Maracana and the match against Egypt in Cleveland. He is also unlikely to play in Brazil's World Cup opener against Morocco. Brazil must now adjust their strategy without their all-time leading scorer in the upcoming matches.