Neymar's MRI came back clean enough. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Sunday that the 34-year-old's calf rehabilitation is progressing "within expected parameters" — which, given his injury history over the past two years, is about as good as anyone could realistically hope for.
He hasn't pulled on the yellow shirt since his 128th cap back in October 2023. That's nearly two years on the sidelines for Brazil's all-time top scorer, and the timing of his return — straight into a World Cup — is either poetic or precarious, depending on how the next few weeks go.
Wesley out, Éderson in
While the Neymar news was positive, Brazil also confirmed a forced change in their squad. Full-back Wesley has been ruled out after an MRI revealed a muscle injury to the adductor in his left thigh. The CBF were warm in their statement — "Wesley is a beloved player within the group" — but sentiment doesn't fix adductors, and Ancelotti now needs cover at right back.
His replacement is Éderson, the Atalanta midfielder who is expected to complete a move to Manchester United this summer in a deal worth an initial $46.7 million on a four-year contract. The 26-year-old has just three caps to his name since debuting in 2024, including a cameo in March's 4-1 loss to Argentina. He joins with something to prove on both fronts.
What Brazil's attack looks like under Ancelotti
Assuming Neymar holds together, Ancelotti has a crowded forward line to manage: Vinícius Júnior as the focal point, with Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, Igor Thiago, and Rayan all in the mix. Neymar's role is unlikely to be the 90-minutes-every-game one he once owned — but even a functional, fit Neymar changes what defenders have to account for.
Brazil open their World Cup campaign on Saturday against Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. If you're looking at Group C markets, Brazil's attacking depth is considerable — but their ability to stay healthy through a tournament has been the question mark for three years running. That hasn't changed yet.
- Group C opener: Brazil vs Morocco — MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (Saturday)
- Second group game: Brazil vs Haiti — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (June 19)
- Group stage closer: Brazil vs Scotland — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (June 24)
The CBF says Neymar will continue his recovery under the national team's medical staff. That's the plan. Whether the body cooperates is the only thing that matters now.
