Nov 24, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Brazil forward Neymar (10) kicks the ball against Serbia during the second half in a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

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Fresh Injury Blow Puts Neymar’s Brazil Return in Doubt

Just as Carlo Ancelotti prepares to announce Brazil’s squad for the final rounds of 2026 World Cup qualifying, Neymar’s hopes of a national team comeback have been thrown into uncertainty. The Santos star suffered a thigh edema during training on Thursday, August 21, after reportedly feeling discomfort.

Medical tests confirmed the injury and Santos immediately informed the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar has already begun treatment with the club’s medical staff, but his availability for Brazil’s upcoming fixtures remains doubtful. The 33-year-old forward will undergo further assessments over the coming week and is expected to miss training sessions in the immediate future.

Neymar Could Be Absent From Upcoming Brazil Squad

Santos suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss against Bahia on Sunday. The defeat leaves Santos on just 21 points from 15 matches, now sitting perilously in 15th place and only narrowly clear of the relegation zone.

While the plan is for Neymar to return on August 31 when Santos host Fluminense in the Brasileirao, much depends on his recovery. His absence would mean yet another delay in his long-awaited return to the Seleção, having last featured in October 2023 during the qualifiers.

Also Read: Why Neymar Didn’t Play? Brazilian Star Explains Bench Role As Santos Fall to Corinthians

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Neymar has picked up an injury in his thigh just before Ancelotti is announcing his squad list, he is now expected NOT to be included! ❌🇧🇷

— @geglobo pic.twitter.com/dS5YphWSMl
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 24, 2025

This latest setback comes at a difficult time for Neymar, who was left in tears after Santos’ crushing 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama last weekend. The result not only deepened the club’s crisis but also marked the heaviest defeat of Neymar Jr’s career, leaving the Brazilian superstar devastated after the match. Notably, the result had also led to head coach Cleber Xavier being dismissed by the club within hours of the final whistle.

Also Read: Donald Trump Reveals Venue for 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

Already suspended for the clash against Bahia due to yellow card accumulation, Neymar now faces a race against time to convince Ancelotti he is fit enough to be called up when the squad is revealed on Monday.

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Brazil National Team

Carlo Ancelotti

Neymar

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.