Where is Neymar? Why Brazil star is missing final World Cup warm-up vs. Egypt

Brazil face Egypt in their final pre-World Cup friendly in Cleveland on Saturday.

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Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed they are gearing up nicely for the tournament with a 6-2 win over Panama last weekend.

But that game took place without Neymar and the recalled superstar forward will once again sit out the Egypt match.

Here’s all we know about Neymar’s status with the start of the World Cup less than a week away.

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Where is Neymar? Why is forward not playing against Egypt?

Ancelotti called up Neymar to his 26-man World Cup squad, despite injuries being largely responsible for Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer not playing for the national team since October 2023.

Neymar suffered another setback during Santos’s game against Cortiba on May 17 when he sustained a calf injury.

Brazil’s team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed a grade two tear, which ruled the 34-year-old out of the Panama and Egypt friendlies.

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When his teammates travelled to Cleveland for the Egypt match, Neymar remained at Brazil’s tournament base in New Jersey to continue his recovery.

MORE: A full list of injured star players as the World Cup nears

Will Neymar play at the World Cup?

According to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Neymar will go for an MRI scan on Monday amid ongoing concerns over his calf injury.

At this stage, he must be considered a doubt for Brazil’s tournament opener against Morocco on June 13.

If the tests show the injury to be more severe, something that could cause greater disruption to Neymar’s tournament, then Ancelotti will have a decision to make.

Teams are allowed to call up replacements for injured outfield players up to 24 hours before their first match. After that, replacements can only be called if one of the three goalkeepers in the squad is laid low.

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro and Tottenham attacker Richarlison would be among the leading contenders to replace Neymar is he has to step aside.

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