Soccer-Neymar joins Brazil teammates in training as calf recovery gathers pace

Neymar took a significant step in his recovery from a right calf injury, joining his Brazilian teammates in practice for the first time since their World Cup arrival in New Jersey.

Neymar took another ​careful stride out of Brazil's ‌medical ​room and back towards the World Cup spotlight on Wednesday, joining his teammates on the practice field for the first ‌time since the five-times champions arrived in New Jersey. The 34-year-old forward, recovering from a right calf injury, was seen doing drills with the squad after warming up separately in boots ‌and with the ball, offering Brazilian supporters a glimpse of progress before Friday's ‌Group C match against Haiti in Philadelphia. It was another step in a gradual return for Brazil's number 10, who had on Tuesday, in a session closed to the media, stepped onto the pitch for ⁠the first ​time since the ⁠squad arrived, with the Brazilian FA saying he did physical work and had some contact with the ball. Whether ⁠that turns into full training, or even a place on the bench against Haiti, remains uncertain ​as media had access only for the first 15 minutes of Wednesday's session.

Neymar had ⁠been limited to indoor work at the team's training centre with physiotherapists and fitness coaches. Sources close to the ⁠national ​team said the coaching staff were being cautious and had no intention of accelerating his recovery.

The calf problem was sustained during Santos' 3-0 defeat by Coritiba last ⁠month and is the latest in a long run of injuries and physical setbacks for ⁠Neymar, who has ⁠not played for Brazil in almost three years. Brazil's campaign began awkwardly with a 1-1 draw against Morocco as they bid for ‌a long-awaited record-extending ‌sixth World Cup title.