Neymar Withdrawn from Brazil vs Panama Friendly with Grade 2 Calf Strain

Brazil forward Neymar will not play in the friendly against Panama at the Maracanã on Sunday, May 31, after an MRI revealed a Grade 2 calf strain, the Brazil medical team reported. Manager Carlo Ancelotti named a starting XI for the tune-up but left Neymar out entirely; the coach says the 26 players he chose for the World Cup will remain the official squad.

Why it matters

The absence is significant because Brazil are using the Panama friendly — followed by a final warm-up against Egypt on June 6 — as final preparations ahead of their 2026 World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13. Neymar's inability to play in either warm-up match fuels uncertainty about his match fitness for the tournament's Group Stage opener, even though Ancelotti has ruled out making an emergency replacement to the 26-man roster.

What the medical update says

After reporting to Brazil's training camp, Neymar underwent an MRI scan. Brazil's team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar reported a Grade 2 calf strain that has kept the forward out of first-team training and unavailable for the matchday squad against Panama. The player is undergoing an individualized rehabilitation programme, according to the update.

Squad and manager response

Despite the injury, Ancelotti confirmed in a press conference that Neymar will remain part of the 26-man World Cup group and that he will not be replaced. The manager also said the injured player has been working separately from the main group while progressing through his personalised recovery plan.

Confirmed lineups and changes for the Panama friendly

Ancelotti named Brazil in a 4-2-3-1 for the Panama match: Alisson; Wesley, Bremer, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Luiz Henrique, Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior; Matheus Cunha. Panama's starting XI used a 3-4-3 shape: Orlando Mosquera; César Blackman, Fidel Escobar, José Córdoba; Amir Murillo, Ismael Díaz, Carlos Harvey, Andrés Andrade; José Luis Rodríguez, Cecilio Waterman, Yoel Bárcenas.

• Neymar withdrawn from Brazil v Panama (May 31) after MRI shows Grade 2 calf strain.
• Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the diagnosis and Neymar has been training individually.
• Carlo Ancelotti says the 26-man World Cup squad remains unchanged; no emergency replacement will be called.
• Brazil face Egypt in their final warm-up on June 6 before opening the World Cup against Morocco on June 13.

Context and implications

The report notes Santos — Neymar's club prior to the national team camp — had earlier described the player's issue as an edema after a May 17 match. The stronger diagnosis from Brazil's medical staff raises immediate questions about Neymar's readiness for competitive minutes at the World Cup. With the squad lodged in final camp and two scheduled friendlies remaining before the tournament, the timeline for on-field recovery is tight.

What happens next

Brazil will travel to their New Jersey training base after the Panama friendly and then play Egypt in Cleveland on June 6. Neymar will continue his individual rehabilitation while the rest of the squad prepare together. Any change to the official 26-man roster would be notable; for now, Ancelotti has ruled replacements out.