Neymar faces scan as calf injury puts his World Cup opener in doubt

What happened

Neymar is set to undergo an MRI scan on Monday to assess a calf injury, with the forward rated doubtful for Brazil's World Cup opener against Morocco on 13 June. According to ESPN's injury reporting, the problem is a grade-two calf tear he sustained playing for Santos on 17 May, and the scan will determine where his recovery stands with the tournament about to begin.

Why it matters

Few absences would carry more weight for Brazil than that of their most recognisable attacker at the very start of their campaign. The scan effectively sets the timeline for Neymar's involvement, leaving the coaching staff to weigh whether he can be risked against Morocco or whether they plan around him for the opening exchanges and target a later return.

Context

The injury, picked up in mid-May, has shadowed Neymar's build-up while Brazil completed their warm-up schedule without him as a guaranteed starter. The World Cup kicks off on 11 June, with Brazil opening their group two days later, leaving little margin for a player still working back to full fitness.

What to watch next

The immediate marker is the outcome of Monday's scan and the recovery window it points to. From there, attention turns to whether Brazil's staff hold Neymar back from the Morocco game to protect him for the rest of the group stage, and to how the side reshapes its attack in his absence if he is not passed fit in time.