Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 on June 19 in their World Cup Group C match, securing their first win of the tournament with Matheus Cunha scoring twice and Vinicius Jr. adding one goal [1, 2, 3]. The match saw Raphinha leave in the first half due to a right leg injury; its severity was unclear, with Vinicius Junior expressing hope he could return soon, saying, "Raphinha因傷退場真的太令人遺憾了，我感覺這和上一次的傷勢很像，衷心希望不會太嚴重，他能繼續和我們並肩作戰。」 [4].
Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti stated Neymar, 34, is still recovering from a right calf injury suffered on May 17 while playing for Santos and has not yet featured in the tournament. Neymar missed Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw against Morocco and stayed behind in New Jersey during the Haiti match, undergoing rehabilitation and individual training [5, 6, 7, 8]. Ancelotti said, "We expect Neymar to recover and be able to rejoin the team next week... He is working very hard on his rehabilitation" [7].
Neymar resumed training at Brazil’s New Jersey base around June 19, engaging in running and ball drills, signaling progress [9, 10]. Ancelotti added, "He will start individual training tomorrow and then integrate with the team. We look forward to him returning for the match against Scotland" [4]. The coaching staff plans to assess Neymar during Monday and Tuesday sessions to decide if he can play in the final group game against Scotland [5, 6].
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer and a veteran with extensive World Cup experience. Coach Ancelotti included him in the 26-man squad anticipating his tactical and leadership contribution despite his limited playtime so far [7, 8]. After two matches, Brazil holds a 1-1-0 record with 4 points, trailing group leader Morocco on goal difference before facing Scotland next [1, 2, 3].
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joked about Neymar’s absence, saying, "Neymar isn't even playing, man. Neymar is the world's first 'work-from-home' national team player. A work-from-home player." [5]
Brazil will play Scotland in their final Group C match after Neymar's training evaluation is complete.
