Brazil's Star Forward Neymar to Miss Haiti Clash Amid Calf Injury Recovery Brazilian football federation confirmed on Thursday that forward Neymar will not join the national team for its World Cup group stage match against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday. The 34-year-old, who has been sidelined for nearly three years due to a series of injuries, remains in New Jersey to focus on his recovery from a right calf strain sustained during Santos’ 3-0 loss to Coritiba last month. The federation stated that he will utilize the advanced facilities at The Ridge hotel and Columbia Park training center to complete his rehabilitation. Neymar’s absence comes as Brazil seeks to build on its opening draw against Morocco, which left the team with one point in Group C. The squad’s next challenge is a crucial encounter against Haiti, a team currently at the bottom of the group after losing to Scotland. Despite his limited participation in recent training sessions—where he performed drills separately in boots and with the ball—Brazil’s coaching staff has opted for caution, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate match readiness. The injury marks another setback for Neymar, whose career has been plagued by recurring physical issues since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. His last appearance for Brazil was in a 2023 friendly against Peru, and he has yet to regain his form following multiple surgeries and rehabilitation periods. While the federation emphasized that his recovery is progressing, the decision to keep him isolated from the squad underscores the delicate balance between returning to play and avoiding further complications. The match against Haiti will be a test for Brazil’s depth, as the team looks to secure a stronger position in the group.#philadelphia #neymar #brazilian_football_federation #the_ridge_hotel #columbia_park_training_center
