Neymar has returned to limited training but remains in a desperate race against time to feature for Brazil at what could be his last World Cup, with the superstar forward nursing a calf problem sustained while playing for Santos in May.
The 34-year-old underwent tests on Monday to determine the progress of his recovery and is not expected to play in Brazil’s second Group C outing against Haiti on Friday, with the Selecao desperately needing an injection of attacking spark after putting in an underwhelming display in their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.
“Neymar returns to limited training but faces race to be fit for Brazil's World Cup campaign after calf injury”
Elsewhere, Spain received a boost as Lamine Yamal stepped up his return to full fitness after making his comeback off the bench in a goalless draw with Cape Verde. The 18-year-old had been out since 22 April with a left hamstring injury, but Spain boss Luis de la Fuente insisted he was in “perfect condition” ahead of their match against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Fellow Spain winger Nico Williams also returned off the bench against Cape Verde, as did Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who had been sidelined for much of the year.
The US, meanwhile, were without star man Christian Pulisic for their win over Australia that sealed their place in the knockout stages. Pulisic had been withdrawn at half-time from their opening 4-1 triumph against Paraguay due to a calf problem. “It was impossible for him today to play,” US boss Mauricio Pochettino said. “We hope that next game he will be available but if we want to win the competition we need the whole squad.”
Canada were without captain Alphonso Davies in their 1-1 opening-game draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while England suffered their first casualty of the tournament as Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the squad.
With Neymar yet to feature, Brazil will hope to secure their place in the knockout stages before he is needed — but the clock is ticking on his fitness, and on his hopes of one more World Cup campaign.