The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Neymar will not travel with the squad to Cleveland due to a calf muscle injury. Instead, he will remain at the team’s training camp in New Jersey to continue his treatment and recovery.
The 34-year-old playmaker has endured an injury-plagued season, making head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to include him in the final World Cup squad a major talking point.
The upcoming clash against Egypt represents Brazil’s final preparation match before the tournament. Failing to have their most experienced star on the pitch has raised notable concerns within the Seleção camp.
Brazil is scheduled to launch its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, before facing Haiti and Scotland in the remaining group-stage fixtures.
No official announcement has been made yet regarding the exact severity of Neymar’s calf injury or whether he will be fit in time for Brazil’s opening World Cup match.