MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) 鈥� Neymar is not traveling to Cleveland with for its exhibition tuneup against Egypt on Saturday, according to the country鈥檚 soccer association.
The Brazilian Football Confederation said Thursday the 34-year-old forward would remain in New Jersey to undergo treatment.
Last week, the team doctor said that Neymar was two to three weeks because of a calf injury. Brazil鈥檚 opening game at the World Cup is June 13 against Morocco in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and it was not clear if Neymar would be ready to play in it.
Picking Neymar for the 26-player roster was considered a risk because of his health. He is Brazil鈥檚 all-time leading goal scorer with 79 but has struggled since returning from in October 2023 in a World Cup qualifier.
鈥淗e can still improve his fitness until the first match of the World Cup,鈥� coach Carlos Ancelotti said last month. 鈥淗e has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group, he can create a better environment in this group.鈥�
Neymar has played eight matches for Santos FC this year and has four goals and two assists.
FIFA rules allow an injured player to be replaced up to one day before a team鈥檚 first game at the tournament. If he plays, this would be Neymar’s fourth World Cup.
Brazil earlier this week named 32-year-old defender Marquinhos captain.
鈥淵ou think about all the legendary captains who have worn this armband before, so I feel very honored and very happy,鈥� Marquinhos said in Portuguese on Wednesday. 鈥淏eing captain isn鈥檛 simply about wearing the armband and playing football. It鈥檚 much more than that. It starts with the person and with what you can contribute to the group, to your teammates and to the team as a whole.鈥�
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