New Jersey, 13 June (H.S.): Brazil's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant setback, with star forward Neymar expected to miss the team's opening Group F match against Morocco due to a lingering calf injury.

Speaking on Friday ahead of Brazil's tournament opener, head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar has not yet recovered sufficiently to return to competitive action and may remain unavailable for a substantial part of the group stage.

The 34-year-old forward has not trained fully with the squad and has yet to play since being named in Brazil's World Cup roster. He also missed the team's warm-up fixtures against Egypt and Panama as he continued rehabilitation.

Ancelotti expressed optimism regarding Neymar's recovery but acknowledged that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is not ready to return to action.

He is working hard to regain full fitness as quickly as possible. We hope he can resume full training next week, the Brazilian coach said.

Brazil will face Morocco in their opening match before taking on Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24. However, Ancelotti stopped short of guaranteeing Neymar's availability for either of those fixtures.

The injury comes as a major disappointment for Brazil, which is seeking a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title. Neymar remains one of the country's most influential footballers and a central figure in its hopes of ending a 24-year wait for World Cup glory.

Despite concerns over his fitness, Ancelotti explained that Neymar's presence in the squad extends beyond his on-field contributions.

The Italian tactician, who became the first foreign manager to lead Brazil's men's national team, emphasized the veteran forward's leadership qualities and influence on younger players.

According to Ancelotti, Neymar's experience and understanding of major tournaments make him an important figure within the dressing room, even while recovering from injury.

Brazil winger Vinicius Junior also voiced support for his teammate, describing Neymar as a source of inspiration for the national side.

Vinicius said he hopes to see the forward return to action soon and believes his presence will provide a major boost as the tournament progresses.

Morocco, meanwhile, has insisted that Neymar's absence will not alter its preparations. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said his team had prepared for multiple scenarios and would approach the match in the same manner regardless of whether Neymar plays.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi admitted he would have preferred to face Neymar, describing the Brazilian as one of football's elite talents.

Hakimi noted that competing against the world's best players is part of the challenge and excitement of the World Cup.

Neymar's injury adds another chapter to a career that has frequently been interrupted by fitness setbacks despite his extraordinary achievements at club and international level. Widely regarded as one of the most gifted players of his generation, he remains Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer and one of the most recognizable figures in world football.

For now, Brazil must begin its World Cup campaign without its biggest star. While the coaching staff remains hopeful of Neymar's return later in the tournament, attention will shift to whether the five-time champions can successfully navigate the group stage until their talisman is fit enough to rejoin the quest for football's most prestigious prize.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar