Neymar, 34, has been sidelined for around 700 days due to injuries, recovery periods, and rest, according to data from the website Transfermarkt. He last played for the senior national team on October 17, 2023, when he tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee during a South American qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo.

Medical Updates and Recovery Plans

According to the CBF. Neymar repeated a medical examination a week ago, but the results have not yet been confirmed. Brazil’s medical staff is aiming to have him fully fit for the knockout stages, meaning he will miss both the Haiti and Scotland matches in Group C.

Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s head coach, said before the match against Morocco that Neymar is working hard to recover as soon as possible; Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar was included in the roster for his technical abilities and the example he sets for young players on the team.

Confirmed Lineups and Team Strategy

Neymar will not be on the bench for Brazil’s match against Haiti and will instead watch the game from the stands — the confirmed starting lineup for Brazil includes Alisson Becker in goal, with Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Douglas Santos in defense. The midfield features Casemiro. Bruno Guimarães, and Lucas Paquetá, while Raphinha and Matheus Cunha support striker Vinicius Jr.

For Haiti, the starting lineup includes goalkeeper Johny Placide and defenders Carlens Arcus, Ricardo Adé, Kevin Delcroix, and Carlens Providence. Midfielders include Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Jean-Kevin Duverne, with Martin Expérience, Josué Casimir, and Frantzdy Pierrot leading the attack.

Recovery Plans and Future Match Availability

According to the CBF, Neymar will remain in New Jersey for the final phase of his recovery, using the facilities at The Ridge hotel and the training center in Columbia Park. The CBF said he will continue his recovery and physical preparation as planned by the medical team.

Neymar participated in the warm-up session with his teammates on Wednesday but then trained separately. It is still uncertain whether he will be available for Brazil’s final group match against Scotland on June 25 in Miami. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return, though his readiness remains in question.

Brasilia’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, joked about Neymar’s absence, calling him the first footballer ever to work from home. “I read that Neymar is the first player in the world to be assigned to home office,” Lula said at an event, drawing laughter from the audience.