Neymar Injury Update: Brazil Star Nears World Cup Comeback Ahead of Scotland Clash

Brazil star Neymar Jr. has provided the clearest sign yet that he is nearing a return to action at the FIFA World Cup 2026, sharing upbeat training images as the Selecao prepare for a decisive Group C encounter against Scotland.

Neymar's training update raises hopes of comeback

The 34-year-old forward posted a series of photographs from a training session on X on Sunday, signalling significant progress in his recovery from a calf injury that has sidelined him for Brazil's opening two matches of the tournament.

Accompanying the images, Neymar wrote: "Thank you, my God. So incredibly happy!!"

The post has fuelled optimism among Brazilian fans that the veteran attacker could make his long-awaited return when Brazil take on Scotland later this week.

Neymar missed Brazil's opening 1-1 draw against Morocco and their subsequent 3-0 victory over Haiti. The win over Haiti lifted Carlo Ancelotti's side to the top of Group C and put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.

Ancelotti confident Neymar will be available

While the Brazil squad travelled to Philadelphia for the Haiti fixture, Neymar remained at the team's training base in New Jersey to continue his rehabilitation programme.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star resumed on-field activities over the weekend, participating in physical exercises and ball drills as part of the next phase of his recovery.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti recently suggested that Neymar is close to returning to full training and could be available for selection against Scotland.

"Neymar will be training tomorrow individually and on Monday he's going to be training with the rest of the team," Ancelotti said after Brazil's victory over Haiti, as per Reuters. "He will be available for the match against Scotland."

Potential milestone awaits Brazil's No. 10

If Neymar features against Scotland, it would mark his first appearance for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.

The injury kept him out for an extended period and significantly limited his role during Brazil's qualification campaign.

The match would also represent another landmark moment in Neymar's international career. The ongoing tournament is his fourth FIFA World Cup, having previously represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.

Despite his fitness setbacks, Neymar remained an influential figure whenever available during qualification, registering two goals and three assists in just four appearances.

With a place in the knockout rounds within touching distance, Brazil could receive a major boost if their iconic No. 10 completes his recovery and returns to action against Scotland on Wednesday (local time).

(With inputs from ANI)