Brazil’s preparations for the World Cup suffered an early setback after Neymar missed the national team’s first training session to undergo medical examinations, casting uncertainty over his role in the squad.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced that the 34-year-old forward, who is recovering from a right calf injury, did not participate in the closed training session at the Granja Comary complex. Instead, he was sent to a private clinic in Teresopolis for imaging tests to assess his condition.

In an official statement, the CBF said that no additional details would be disclosed until the national team’s medical department completed its evaluation. Nevertheless, Neymar’s absence quickly became the central focus on the second day of Brazil’s training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil are scheduled to hold three more training sessions at Granja Comary before facing Panama in a friendly match at the Maracana on Sunday.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti will already be missing three players for that encounter. Defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, along with forward Gabriel Martinelli, are set to compete in Saturday’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar’s call-up last week sparked significant anticipation, as he had not been part of Ancelotti’s plans during the Italian coach’s first year in charge.

Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, Neymar has not represented his country since 2023. His return has drawn attention amid ongoing concerns about his fitness and performance following repeated injury setbacks and a disappointing stint back at Santos.

The situation comes at a critical moment. After the match against Panama, Brazil will face Egypt in Cleveland in their final warm-up fixture before beginning their World Cup campaign against African champions Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. Brazil and Morocco are placed in Group C, alongside Haiti and Scotland.

Ancelotti has already emphasized that past achievements alone will not guarantee Neymar a place in the lineup.

Earlier this month, the coach stated that Neymar would not receive preferential treatment and that selection decisions would be based strictly on fitness and current form rather than reputation.

For the moment, Brazil await the results of the medical tests — and confirmation of whether their most prominent star will be ready to play a leading role next month.