Neymar’s Knee Woes Shake Santos as Brazil’s World Cup Dream Hangs in the Balance

Neymar's Knee Pain and Training Update

A Brazilian sports report stated that Neymar did not participate in Santos' team training on Saturday, instead performing gym work away from the group.

Neymar has been dealing with discomfort in his left knee since the Mirassol match, with no disclosed muscular or structural injury reported.

According to Globo, Neymar felt pain in the knee area, prompting cautious handling by the club.

As a precaution, Santos' coach is considering not starting Neymar in Monday's Inter Nacional match to prevent the issue from worsening.

Neymar is expected to be rested in the upcoming game, with hopes of returning for Sport Recife next Saturday and subsequent fixtures, as Santos battles to avoid relegation.

Neymar had started three consecutive matches before the setback, against Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Mirassol.

Santos sits 16th in the Brasileirão with 37 points, while Internacional is 15th with 40 points.

Neymar and Brazil

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti issued a warning to Neymar ahead of the 2026 World Cup, slated for June in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Brazil qualified for the World Cup in 2026 by finishing fifth in South American qualifying with 28 points.

Neymar has not joined the Brazil squad for the past two years due to recurring injuries and a noticeable drop in fitness.

In comments carried by BeIN Sports, Ancelotti said Neymar is among his players considered for Brazil at the World Cup, with six months left to make the final squad.

He noted Neymar had recovered but needed to regain form; once the Brasileirão ends, Neymar will take a break and then showcase his quality and fitness again.

Brazil recently beat Senegal 2-0 in a friendly and were set to face Tunisia in another warm-up.

Ancelotti's Words

“I am happy with what we have done so far, but we also know the mistakes we’ve made. In the World Cup, one mistake could send you home.”

On the possibility of fielding Vinícius and Rodrygo together, he said: “Of course we can do that; they’ve grown used to playing together at Real Madrid and are in excellent physical form. I’m convinced they will contribute greatly to the national team.”

Regarding his conversations with Vinícius during team training this week, Ancelotti added: “I talk to all players; it is important to understand their thinking, tactically and personally. You have to ask and understand how they feel.”

“I will not force any player to play in a position they don’t want. I want them to play where they feel comfortable.”

“My talks with Vinícius weren’t about positions; it was a personal matter. The atmosphere is very good, and it’s a pleasure to work in a setup like this to reach the highest level.”

It was noted that Ancelotti left Real Madrid last summer to take charge of Brazil, succeeding Xabi Alonso as coach of the national team.

A Getty Images photo accompanied Brazil's clash against Senegal, illustrating the broader context of Brazil’s ambitions.

“An Unforgettable Feeling”

Ancelotti recalled that leaving Real Madrid last summer was a well-considered, unforgettable feeling, even as he embraced coaching Brazil as a big challenge and a beautiful dream.

In an interview with AS, he reflected on the farewell with Madrid fans as a meaningful moment and asserted that managing Brazil is the right path for him now.

He praised his Madrid successor Alba? Alonso, saying he was confident Alonso would succeed and that he continues watching Madrid to monitor Brazilian players. He cautioned that in Madrid, even a draw can become a crisis.

Looking ahead, Ancelotti closed with optimism for Madrid under Alonso: “The team is defensively cohesive and offensively strong. Mbappé is in great shape, Bellingham is back, and I am sure Xabi will succeed.”

Punchline Time

And yes, if knees could talk, Neymar’s would file a restraining order against injuries. Also: World Cup 2026 – because apparently six months of rehab is the new training camp—talk about a long-term relationship with a sofa named “Recovery.”