Neymar ruled out: Brazil star to miss crucial World Cup clash against Haiti

Philadelphia: Brazil forward Neymar will not travel with the national team for Friday's second World Cup group stage match against Haiti as he continues his rehabilitation from a calf injury.

The 34-year-old only resumed training sessions with the squad this week and sat out the five-time World Cup champions' opening 1-1 draw against Morocco in Group C play.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti stated last week that he was optimistic Neymar would be fit enough to participate in some capacity during the match against Haiti in Philadelphia.

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Neymar was diagnosed in late May with a right calf injury and has appeared in only half of the fixtures for his club team, Santos, this year because of multiple fitness setbacks.

Ancelotti and his technical staff are hesitant to accelerate the return of Brazil's all-time leading goal scorer and risk his availability for subsequent matches later in the tournament, according to Brazilian media reports.

Neymar, who has not made an international appearance for his country since October 2023, "will remain in New Jersey to make the most of the final stage of his recovery process", the Brazilian Football Confederation said in a statement dispatched to reporters Thursday.

Brazil is scheduled to conclude its group stage schedule against Scotland in Miami on June 24.

With inputs from AFP