Neymar runs on the field with Brazil in New Jersey as World Cup return edges closer
Neymar returned to on-field work with Brazil in New Jersey, jogging and running drills at Columbia Park as he continues recovery from a right calf injury ahead of upcoming World Cup matches.
Brazil’s veteran forward Neymar took a visible step in his recovery on Tuesday when he was filmed running on the training pitch at Columbia Park in Morris Township, New Jersey, after nursing a right calf injury sustained in late May. The 34-year-old, who is Brazil’s all-time top scorer, completed solo running drills away from the main group as the national team prepared for its next World Cup fixtures. (odia.ig.com.br)
Training session at Columbia Park
Neymar’s activity took place at the Selecao’s U.S. training base, where the Brazilian Football Confederation has staged sessions ahead of the team’s Group C fixtures. Video released by national team outlets showed Neymar jogging and taking controlled touches on the pitch, though he remained separated from full-team work. The controlled nature of the session was consistent with a phased rehabilitation plan aimed at protecting the injured calf while rebuilding match fitness. (morristownminute.org)
Recovery work captured in footage
Social media and Brazilian sports outlets circulated clips of Neymar running and performing ball work in the training compound, increasing expectations that he is progressing through his rehabilitation. Reports noted that the forward carried out his exercises mainly away from teammates and under supervision of the medical and fitness staff. Team communications emphasised that footage reflected planned recovery milestones rather than a return to competitive availability. (gazetaesportiva.com)
Medical outlook and coach updates
Brazil’s medical team has treated Neymar since the squad arrived in the United States, diagnosing the issue as a calf problem that limited his participation in warm-up fixtures. The official prognosis has varied in public reports, with FIFA medical updates describing the injury as one likely to need a measured period of rest and rehabilitation. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and the staff have expressed cautious optimism about Neymar’s chances of featuring later in the group stage, while stressing that match-readiness will be dictated by fitness rather than calendar. (fifa.com)
Impact on Brazil’s early World Cup matches
Neymar did not dress for Brazil’s 1-1 opening draw with Morocco in New Jersey, a match in which Vinícius Júnior’s goal rescued a point for the five-time champions. The result and Neymar’s absence have sharpened attention on the forward’s timetable, with the Selecao due to meet Haiti in Philadelphia on June 19 and Scotland in Miami on June 24. Team officials have kept selection decisions under review and will only confirm availability once Neymar completes the necessary on-field tests and medical clearances. (apnews.com)
Player form, club background and fitness history
Neymar, 34, is Brazil’s leading international scorer with 79 goals for the national team, a tally that has cemented his status as a central figure in Selecao history. His club career has included high-profile spells at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain before moving to the Saudi Pro League, and recent seasons have been interrupted by assorted muscular problems that limited his appearances. Those fitness interruptions were a factor in public debate about his selection for the tournament, but the coaching staff opted to include him in the squad and to manage his recovery inside the team environment. (cbf.com.br)
Brazilian staff will continue to monitor Neymar through targeted sessions and medical evaluations over the coming days, balancing the player’s historical influence with the immediate demands of tournament football. The final decision on whether he will be named in the matchday squad will rest on objective fitness tests and the medical team’s clearance.
Neymar’s visible work on the pitch in New Jersey provides a positive signal for supporters and selectors, but officials insist that any return to action must be gradual and risk-managed to preserve both the player’s long-term fitness and Brazil’s World Cup ambitions.