Brazil faces an anxious wait over Neymar's availability for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Haiti in Philadelphia.
The forward is recovering from a calf injury sustained while playing for Santos. He hasn't featured in over a month.
The Brazilian Football Confederation announced Thursday that Neymar won't travel with the squad to Philadelphia. Instead, he'll stay in New Jersey for further treatment.
According to CBF officials, the 34-year-old will use facilities at The Ridge hotel and Columbia Park training complex. His rehabilitation will continue away from the team.
Neymar missed Brazil's opening Group C match—a 1-1 draw with Morocco. His earliest chance to rejoin the squad depends on recovery progress.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping the star can feature against Scotland next Wednesday in Miami. That's Brazil's final group fixture.
Right now, his participation remains uncertain at best. Medical staff are monitoring developments closely each day.
Brazil needs results urgently to reach the knockout stage. The draw with Morocco left them needing points against Haiti and Scotland.
Neymar hasn't played for the national team since October 2023. A string of injuries sidelined him during this period.
Despite the layoff, selectors included him in the World Cup squad. They backed him to recover in time.
The Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona legend is chasing a fourth World Cup appearance. He competed in 2014, 2018, and 2022 previously.
In 2014, he was exceptional on home soil before a back injury cost him the Germany semi-final. Brazil lost that match 7-1.
Quarter-final exits followed in Russia and Qatar. Now he wants to deliver a title run.
Fitness permitting, Neymar could prove crucial in the knockout rounds ahead. But first, Brazil must qualify.
Officials say his recovery is on track so far. They've given no timeline for his return.
