Neymar is the highest scorer in Brazil's history with 79 goals in 129 international matches. He joined Brazil's World Cup squad with a muscle injury. However, the 34-year-old forward has not yet participated in a full training session with the team. Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior, who won the World Cup 'Man of the Match' award for Brazil for the second consecutive time on Friday, praised Neymar's importance in the team. Vinicius said, "Neymar is a very important player for us. We hope he can play in the next match."
"We are happy with Neymar's progress in his recovery. Having him with the team is a great inspiration for all of us. Neymar is my idol and has always supported me. I hope he will return in the next match and help us throughout the World Cup," he said. Neymar, who is looking forward to playing in his fourth World Cup, underwent tests on Monday to determine the latest status of his injury.
He suffered the injury while playing for Brazilian club Santos on May 17. Neymar, who played his first World Cup on home soil in 2014, has been widely debated in Brazil over his inclusion in the squad for this tournament. He has been struggling to return to form, especially since tearing the ACL in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier in October 2023.