Brazilian star Neymar has been ruled out of the national team's upcoming friendlies and is set to miss their World Cup opener after scans revealed a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Friday.
CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar delivered the news, stating that the injury will require a recovery period of several weeks. Neymar sustained the injury during training with Al-Hilal, his Saudi Arabian club, earlier this week.
The 34-year-old forward has been a key player for Brazil, with 79 goals in 128 appearances. His absence is a significant blow to the team's preparations for the World Cup, which begins in June.
Brazil's first match in the tournament is scheduled for June 15 against Serbia. The CBF has not yet announced a replacement for Neymar in the squad.
