Neymar will miss Brazil’s upcoming World Cup warmup match against Egypt as he continues to undergo treatment for a leg muscle injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Thursday.
The 34-year-old forward was diagnosed last Thursday with a grade two calf strain, an injury carrying an estimated recovery period of two to three weeks.
The superstar attacker will not be joining his teammates on the plane for Saturday's friendly fixture.
"Neymar will not travel with the delegation to Cleveland," the CBF said in an official statement ahead of the match at Huntington Bank Field. "He will remain in New Jersey, undergoing physical therapy and intensifying his physical recovery program."
Brazil's all-time leading goal scorer—boasting a record 79 goals in 128 international appearances—has faced an arduous road back to full fitness. Neymar has not featured for the Seleção since October 2023, a match where he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Since returning to his boyhood club, Santos, in January 2025, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has continuously struggled with localized injuries. Across all club competitions since his return to Brazil, he has managed to score 17 goals in 38 appearances.
The friendly against Egypt serves as an essential tune-up for Brazil before they officially launch their World Cup Group C campaign.
The five-time world champions are scheduled to open the group stage against Morocco in New Jersey, before traveling to face Haiti in Philadelphia and wrapping up the round against Scotland in Miami.
The highly anticipated World Cup tournament is set to be co-hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, running from June 11 to July 19.
