Neymar’s World Cup hopes hang by a thread after the Brazil star was ruled out of his side’s second group game against Haiti on Friday, deepening the Selecao’s attacking woes following a lacklustre 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener. The 34-year-old forward has been sidelined since May with a grade two calf injury sustained while playing for Santos, and only returned to limited training this week after undergoing tests on Monday to assess his recovery. Brazil, who desperately need an injection of attacking spark, now face a nervous wait ahead of their final Group C clash against Scotland, with the 79-goal striker uncertain to feature.
Meanwhile, Germany left it late in Toronto as super-sub Deniz Undav inspired a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast, with Julian Nagelsmann’s proactive changes rewarded. The win keeps Die Mannschaft on track in their group.
“Neymar's calf injury threatens World Cup campaign; England suffer first casualty as Livramento withdraws”
England suffered their first casualty of the tournament as Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the squad, while Bukayo Saka trained alone ahead of the clash with Ghana, carrying a niggling injury. Elsewhere, Spain’s Lamine Yamal stepped up his return from a left hamstring injury – which had kept him out since 22 April – by coming off the bench in the goalless draw with Cape Verde. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente insisted the 18-year-old was in “perfect condition”, with Yamal eager to start against Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Fellow Spain winger Nico Williams and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino also returned from the bench.
Canada were without captain Alphonso Davies in their 1-1 opening draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while US star Christian Pulisic missed the win over Australia after being withdrawn at half-time in their opening triumph against Paraguay due to a calf problem. US coach Mauricio Pochettino said: “It was impossible for him today to play. We hope that next game he will be available.”