Neymar da Silva, the Brazilian football star, has sustained another injury, jeopardizing his hopes of returning to the national team before the 2026 World Cup. The Santos player will miss an upcoming match against Mirassol in the Brazilian Premier League because of ongoing muscle fatigue, following a brief return to the pitch after recovering from a previous setback.

Santos FC announced that Neymar's absence from the match is a precautionary measure, but the timing is unfortunate for the Brazilian national team. Coach Carlo Ancelotti had organized a trip from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo specifically to observe Neymar in action. Sources from the Brazilian Football Confederation and the national team's technical committee expressed their surprise and disappointment at Neymar's withdrawal, as Ancelotti was keen to assess the 34-year-old player closely ahead of crucial selections.

Ancelotti has previously stated that he would only select players who are fully fit and can physically meet the requirements of the national team. Neymar's absence from this match not only affects his personal chances of securing a spot but could also impact Brazil's preparations for the upcoming World Cup, raising concerns about the team's overall depth and talent as they look to compete on the world stage once again.