Neymar did not participate in Brazil's initial training session ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June as he underwent further medical evaluation for a bruised right calf, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed.

The forward has been sidelined since May 17 after sustaining the injury during Santos FC’s defeat to Coritiba in the Brasileirão. CBF’s medical team stated that additional tests were necessary to determine the precise nature of the injury.

ESPN reported that Neymar was accompanied by Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar for an MRI scan. Although Neymar arrived at the national team camp in Teresopolis, near Rio de Janeiro, earlier in the day, he did not join the on-field session.

His participation in Brazil’s first World Cup warm-up match against Panama in Brasilia on Sunday remains uncertain, pending the results of his medical assessments. Brazil are due to face Egypt on June 5 in their second preparation fixture.

When questioned about the injury following Santos’ 3-0 Copa Sudamericana victory over Deportivo Cuenca at Vila Belmiro on Tuesday, Neymar responded, “What problem?” indicating a lack of concern about his fitness.

Brazil will begin their pursuit of a record sixth World Cup title against Morocco on June 13. Neymar, the team’s top scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national side since suffering an ACL tear in October 2023.

He has been named in the 26-member squad for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be his fourth World Cup appearance, with the player seeking his first FIFA World Cup trophy. Brazil finished fourth in 2014 and were eliminated in the quarterfinals in the subsequent two tournaments.