It is now official: Brazil’s medical team has confirmed that Neymar’s injury is more serious than initially expected. On Thursday, just before Casemiro’s press conference, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar shared an update regarding the forward’s condition.

According to Lasmar, Neymar will be sidelined for two to three weeks after suffering a muscle fibre injury. The diagnosis followed an MRI scan. As a result, he will definitely miss Brazil’s final two warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup — against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 6.

With only 16 days remaining before the tournament opener against Morocco on June 13, Neymar faces a tight deadline to regain full fitness. There is even a possibility that he could miss that first match. However, the Brazilian Football Confederation has chosen not to comment on that scenario.

The major concern now is whether Neymar will recover in time to take part in the World Cup at all. His availability will depend entirely on the progress of his rehabilitation and recovery process.

📸 MAURO PIMENTEL - AFP or licensors