Neymar to have MRI on calf injury next week
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will undergo an MRI scan on Tuesday (AEST) as he continues his race to be fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Neymar suffered a calf injury while playing for Santos on 18 May (AEST), just one day before he was named in Brazil's squad for the tournament.
The Selecao's all-time top scorer has not featured for Brazil since October 2023 because of a string of injuries, and while he has publicly stated he is not worried about his current issue, Ancelotti remains wary.
Brazil faces Egypt in its final friendly on Sunday (AEST), a match in which Neymar will play no part.
While Ancelotti remains optimistic that Neymar will be fit for Brazil's opener against Morocco on 14 June (AEST), the MRI could also rule him out.
"I think his situation is quite clear," Ancelotti said of Neymar.
"He's doing a great job on his own. After the weekend, he'll have an MRI scan, and then, if everything goes well, he can train with the squad next week."
Ancelotti will be using the match against Egypt as an opportunity to get one last look at his squad.
"It's the last match to run tests," Ancelotti said.
"Paqueta is an important player for us because he has different characteristics from the other midfielders. I want to test him and test Igor Thiago in the game.
"I think the system with the front four is already well established. I want to test a new alternative in this final test."























