Neymar Nears Comeback as He Joins Brazil Team Training

Neymar took another cautious step out of the physiotherapy room and back into the World Cup atmosphere on Wednesday, joining his Brazil teammates on the training pitch for the first time since the five-time world champions arrived in New Jersey.
The 34-year-old forward, who is recovering from a right calf injury, was spotted participating in drills with the squad after completing a separate warm-up routine. Sporting his football boots and working with the ball, his appearance gave Brazilian fans a glimpse of his progress ahead of Friday’s Group C clash against Haiti in Philadelphia.
This marks an incremental milestone in the gradual recovery of the Seleção star, who first stepped onto the pitch on Tuesday during a closed-door session. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) reported that he underwent light physical conditioning and had limited interaction with the ball.
It remains uncertain whether he will resume full training or simply settle for a spot on the bench against Haiti, as media personnel were only permitted to watch the first 15 minutes of Wednesday’s session.
Lately, Neymar’s regimen had been confined to the national team’s fitness center, working alongside physiotherapists and fitness trainers. Sources close to the squad noted that the technical staff is operating with extreme caution and has no intention of rushing him back until he is completely healed.
Neymar sustained the calf injury last month during Santos’s 3-0 defeat against Coritiba—the latest setback in a recurring cycle of physical issues that have sidelined him from international duties for nearly three years.
Brazil endured a stuttering start to their campaign, opening with a 1-1 draw against Morocco as they pursue their historic sixth World Cup title.