MORRISTOWN: Neymar took another careful stride out of Brazil’s medical room and back towards the World Cup spotlight on Wednesday, joining his team-mates on the practice field for the first time since the five-times champions arrived in New Jersey.

The 34-year-old forward, recovering from a right calf injury, was seen doing drills with the squad after warming up separately, offering Brazilian supporters a glimpse of progress before Friday’s Group ‘C’ match against Haiti.

It was another step in a gradual return for Brazil’s number 10, who had on Tuesday, in a session closed to the media, stepped onto the pitch for the first time since the squad arrived, with the Brazilian FA saying he did physical work and had some contact with the ball.

Whether that turns into full training, or even a place on the bench against Haiti, remains uncertain as media had access only for the first 15 minutes of Wednesday’s session. Neymar had been limited to indoor work at the team’s training centre with physiotherapists and fitness coaches.

Sources close to the national team said the coaching staff were being cautious and had no intention of accelerating his recovery.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026