Brazil will have to face Haiti without Neymar after the Seleção confirmed their biggest star will miss the crucial Group C showdown as he continues to recover from a calf injury. The decision means Neymar will remain at the team’s training base instead of traveling with the squad to Philadelphia.
The 34-year-old has made encouraging progress in training, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti is refusing to take any risks with Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. The coaching staff is targeting a return later in the tournament, with hopes Neymar will be fully fit for the knockout stages if Brazil qualify.
After opening their World Cup campaign with a disappointing draw against Morocco, Brazil are under pressure to deliver against Haiti. While Vinícius Júnior and the rest of the attack will have to shoulder the load, fans will be anxiously waiting for the moment Neymar is finally ready to return.
