RIO DE JANEIRO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Neymar missed Brazil's first pre-World Cup training session to undergo medical exams, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old forward has not represented his club Santos since May 17 due to swelling in his right calf.
He reported to Brazil's training base in Teresopolis, near Rio de Janeiro, on Monday but did not participate in ball work with his teammates.
"The player was taken to a clinic in the city to undergo additional tests," read a statement on the CBF's official website. "No further information will be released until the medical staff completes its evaluation."
Santos team doctor Rodrigo Zogaib said last week that Neymar was "very close to being fit" and at no risk of missing the World Cup, which begins on June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Brazil will begin the tournament against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13 before meeting Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international matches, last played for Brazil in October 2023, when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker has since struggled with injuries, managing only 17 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions after returning to boyhood club Santos in January last year.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar's inclusion in his 26-man World Cup squad was not based on recent form.
"It was always a physical issue for him," the Italian said last week. "He can improve his physical condition before the first World Cup match. Experience in this type of competition and the affection he has within the group can help create the best atmosphere." ■
