Brazil: Neymar has suffered a major injury setback ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with the Brazilian star ruled out of the national team’s upcoming friendly matches due to a Grade 2 calf injury. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Thursday that medical scans revealed a partial tear in Neymar’s calf muscle.

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the forward is expected to need between two and three weeks to recover, raising doubts over his availability for Brazil national football team’s opening World Cup match. The injury comes as a significant blow for Brazil, with Neymar considered one of the team’s key players heading into the tournament.