Neymar Trains Alone At Brazil World Cup Camp, Santos Star Faces Race Against Time

Brazil forward Neymar has returned to on-pitch training for the first time since arriving in the United States as he continues his recovery from a calf injury sustained before the World Cup.

The Brazil Football Confederation confirmed that the 34-year-old completed running drills on Tuesday at Brazil’s training base in Morristown, New Jersey, describing the session as another positive step in his rehabilitation.

Footage released by the federation showed the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star working individually alongside a member of Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching staff.

Neymar has not played since suffering a right calf injury while representing Santos FC on 17 May. Despite the setback, he was included in Brazil’s World Cup squad and travelled with the team to the tournament.

The five-time world champions opened their Group C campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco and now face Haiti before a final group-stage meeting with Scotland.

Reports in Brazil suggest Neymar remains unlikely to feature in either match, with the medical staff targeting a return during the knockout stages if Brazil progress.

The veteran forward has endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines since suffering a serious knee injury while playing for Brazil against Uruguay in October 2023. Since then, recurring fitness issues have restricted his appearances for club and country.

Although Neymar was named among the substitutes for Brazil’s opening match against Morocco, he was not fit enough to participate.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains hopeful of having his star player available later in the competition.

“Neymar is working very hard to recover as soon as possible,” Ancelotti said. “We expect him to rejoin the group next week. His quality is unquestionable, but his experience and leadership are also important for our younger players.”

Brazil will continue monitoring Neymar’s progress closely as they seek to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.