Neymar 'progressing well' after calf injury before Brazil World Cup opener

Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer underwent an MRI scan on Monday that revealed he is 'progressing well with his treatment' amid hopes he will be able to feature for Carlo Ancelotti's team in the United States.

'He will keep to the rehabilitation timetable and fitness programme as devised by the Brazil team medical staff,' according to the Brazilian Football Confederation.

Neymar was diagnosed with a calf injury towards the end of last month and has been racing against time to regain fitness for the tournament, with Brazil starting their campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday.

Now aged 34, the ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has been a key component of Brazil's past three World Cup campaigns, but there was a degree of surprise over his selection on this occasion because injuries have meant he has not played for his country at all since 2023.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti asserted the previous week that the player, who now plays for Santos, would be available for either Brazil's opening match or their second fixture, and stated that he was 'in no hurry' to bring him back.