[Saba Sports News] Brazil’s team doctor confirmed at a press conference earlier that Neymar has sustained a Grade 2 calf injury, with an estimated recovery period of two to three weeks. Medical experts interviewed by CNN Brasil offered a more detailed analysis. João Fonseca, an orthopaedic specialist, stated: “This is a highly troublesome injury for elite athletes. A Grade 2 injury means 50 percent of the muscle fibres are damaged. Medical records show the standard treatment and recovery window ranges from three to five weeks. This does not contradict the team doctor’s assessment, as Neymar was likely injured in the match against Coritiba roughly eleven days ago.” He further explained that Neymar is now in the subacute treatment phase. He no longer needs crutches or strict weight-bearing restrictions, but continuous treatment is still required to prevent further muscle strains and progression to a Grade 3 injury. A setback of another two to three weeks would seriously disrupt his preparations for the World Cup.
The editor believes that even if Neymar makes his comeback by then, he will hardly be able to play the full 90 minutes right away. He needs a gradual return, and the team will manage his workload and playing time. Everything depends on his recovery over the next few weeks, but generally speaking, he won’t be thrown straight into a full match.