[Saba Sports News] According to Brazilian media reports, Neymar is racing against time to make Brazil’s opening World Cup match. His calf injury is worse than initially expected. Carlo Ancelotti has shown understanding over the lack of communication from Santos and issued a 15-day ultimatum for the player’s recovery. The 34-year-old sustained the calf injury during Santos’ game against Coritiba. Santos’ medical staff first diagnosed it as simple swelling with a projected one-week recovery period. However, an MRI scan conducted on Wednesday night revealed a grade two calf injury. It is reported that Neymar will need two to three weeks to recover, which means he will miss two warm-up fixtures against Panama and Egypt.
Brazil will face Morocco in their first World Cup game on June 13. Neymar could still feature if he recovers within the deadline. Otherwise, the Brazilian Football Confederation is allowed to replace him with another player up to 24 hours before the opening match.
The editor believes that although Ancelotti is dissatisfied with the mistakes and lack of transparency from Santos’ medical department, he has chosen to be understanding. After consulting with his medical team, he decided to give Neymar 15 days. If the player still suffers from calf pain by then, he will be ruled out without hesitation.