Brazil’s record goalscorer Neymar could miss the World Cup due to a calf injury that will keep him out for up to three weeks.

The debate as to whether the Santos forward would make Carlo Ancelotti’s squad dominated the build-up to the selection on May 18 with the 34-year-old eventually named in the 26 to much fanfare.

However, his absence from the initial training sessions had become a worry and the severity of the issue has now been revealed.

Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lamar said in a statement: “Neymar did the complementary medical tests yesterday and we ended up with an MRI, which confirmed a grade two injury to the calf.

“He is still undergoing treatment, and in two or three weeks he will be reassessed.”

Neymar suffered his latest setback playing for Santos against Coritiba the day before the squad was announced, leaving little time for pre-selection evaluation.

Brazilian publication Lance reports Neymar left the clinic in Teresopolis yesterday with a noticeable limp and with his head down, displaying visible despondency.

Will Ancelotti stick with Neymar or name replacement?

It leaves Ancelotti in a difficult position before he has to finalise his squad ahead of the June 1 deadline. Does he take Neymar and accept he won’t be fit for Brazil’s first two Group C games against Morocco and Haiti, and potentially the third against Scotland, or name a replacement?

The former Real Madrid boss was adamant prior to selecting Neymar that he would only be included if he was 100% fit having struggled to fully overcome the ruptured ACL he suffered in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on October 17, 2023.

At the squad announcement, Ancelotti said: “We evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in this last period he played consistently and improved his physical condition. We think he is an important player, and he will be an important player in this World Cup.

“The evaluation for the whole year was solely based on the physical aspect, we talked about that. It was physical. In the last games, he played consistently. He may have the possibility of improving his physical condition before the first game of the World Cup. He has that opportunity.

“In addition, his experience in this type of competition, and the affection he has for the group, creating a better environment within the group, helping the team, are all important factors.

“He has the same role and obligation as the other 25. He has the possibility of playing, of not playing, of being on the bench, of coming on as a substitute; he will have the same possibilities as the others.”

Joao Pedro could benefit if Neymar is unable to play at World Cup

If Ancelotti is now forced to cut Neymar, it could present an opportunity for Chelsea striker Joao Pedro.

The Chelsea forward was the surprise omission having scored 20 goals in his debut season at Stamford Bridge and being named the club’s player of the year.

Pedro has not scored for the Selecao in eight national team games, however, a record that seemed to sway Ancelotti to turn to Neymar, who has managed 79 goals in 128 international appearances.

Questioned on the decision, Ancelotti said: “I understand people say European football is different, more intense. We also talk about how playing football here [in Brazil] is very complicated.

“There’s the schedule, the travel, the heat. It’s difficult to compare. Then there are the individual characteristics of the players. We feel sorry for João Pedro because, based on the season he had in Europe, he deserved to be on this list.

“But with full awareness, respect, and competence, we chose other players. We feel very sorry for João Pedro, just like for all the others.”