Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Neymar took a major step toward his World Cup comeback on Wednesday, joining Brazil’s squad on the training pitch for the first time since the team arrived in New Jersey, according to Reuters.
Recovering from a right calf injury, the 34-year-old forward warmed up individually with the ball before joining full squad drills, giving Brazilian fans a promising sign of progress ahead of Friday’s Group C clash with Haiti in Philadelphia.
It was another gradual step forward for the Brazilian talisman, who had previously taken to the pitch during Tuesday’s private training session. The Brazilian FA confirmed that Tuesday’s workload consisted of light physical conditioning and minor ball contact.
However, with media access restricted to the first 15 minutes of Wednesday’s session, it remains unclear if he progressed to full training or if he will be fit enough for a spot on the bench against Haiti.
Before stepping back onto the pitch, Neymar had been limited to indoor physical therapy and specialized conditioning work with the team’s medical staff.
Reuters report that the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach, with no intention of rushing him back to action ahead of schedule.
Sustained during Santos’ 3-0 defeat to Coritiba last month, the calf strain is just the latest hurdle for Neymar, whose long battle with injuries has kept him out of a Brazil shirt for nearly three years.
Brazil was drawn into Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Following a 1-1 draw against the Atlas Lions in their tournament opener, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are now under pressure to secure a win in their next match.
