Brazil forward Neymar could miss his country’s opening match of the FIFA World Cup against Morocco due to injury concerns, according to reports from Brazil.
Members of the Seleção medical staff are reportedly pessimistic about the attacker recovering in time for the clash, with the player currently battling a calf injury.
The injury is said to have placed Neymar’s participation in the opening fixture in serious doubt, despite the forward working towards a quick return to fitness.
Reports from Globo indicated that the Brazilian star is targeting a comeback within the next two weeks, but there are fears the recovery process could extend until mid-June.
The development has sparked concern within the Brazilian camp ahead of the tournament, as Neymar remains one of the team’s most influential players.
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Brazil’s coaching crew are now expected to closely monitor the player’s rehabilitation progress before making a final decision on his availability for the opening game.
Meanwhile, tournament regulations state that participating nations can only make changes to their final World Cup squads until June 1.
Any prolonged absence for Neymar could therefore force Brazil into a late decision regarding his place in the squad for the competition.