Brazil could be without Neymar for the entirety of the FIFA World Cup group stage, with the team’s medical staff prioritising the forward’s long-term fitness over a rushed return.

The 32-year-old has yet to feature at the tournament after suffering a grade-two calf injury while playing for Santos on May 17. Brazil’s cautious approach means Neymar is now unlikely to face Haiti on June 20 and could also miss the final Group C fixture against Scotland on June 24.

Brazil Playing the Long Game with Neymar

According to reports from ESPN, Brazil’s medical department is focused on ensuring Neymar is fully fit for the knockout rounds rather than risking a premature comeback during the group stage.

Neymar has increased his rehabilitation workload in recent weeks and continues to train individually, but he has not yet returned to full team sessions. Medical staff are expected to clear him for regular training only once he is completely pain-free and regains sufficient match fitness.

The strategy reflects Brazil’s belief that a healthy Neymar in the knockout stages could be more valuable than a half-fit Neymar in the group phase.

A Major Absence for Ancelotti

Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, with Vinicius Junior scoring the equaliser after Ismael Saibari had given the Atlas Lions an early lead.

While the result avoided an opening defeat, it also highlighted the absence of Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer. Neymar has not represented the national team since 2023 and remains one of the most experienced figures in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

The Italian manager has repeatedly stressed Neymar’s importance beyond his technical quality.

“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said recently. “We called him not only because of his quality, but because of his experience and the example he can provide for younger players.”

Group Stage Fixtures in Doubt

Should Brazil stick to their current recovery plan, Neymar could miss:

• Morocco 1-1 Brazil (already missed)
• Brazil vs Haiti – June 20
• Brazil vs Scotland – June 24

Any change in approach may depend on Brazil’s position in Group C. Another disappointing result against Haiti could increase pressure on the coaching staff to accelerate Neymar’s return.

For now, however, Brazil appear determined not to gamble with the fitness of a player they hope will be decisive when the tournament reaches its knockout stages.

Brazil Must Find Answers Without Neymar

Brazil entered the World Cup chasing a record sixth title and their first since 2002. Under Ancelotti, the Seleção are attempting to end a 24-year wait for football’s biggest prize.

Yet their opening draw against Morocco raised familiar questions about creativity, efficiency in attack and whether the current squad can deliver without Neymar at its centre.

The good news for Brazil is that qualification remains firmly in their hands. The bigger challenge is ensuring Neymar is available when the stakes become highest.

Because while Brazil can survive the group stage without him, their hopes of lifting the trophy may ultimately depend on having their most influential player fit for the battles ahead.