MIAMI: Brazil forward Neymar will not travel with the squad for their second World Cup Group ‘C’ game against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday as he continues to recover from a calf injury, the Brazilian football association said.

“He will remain in New Jersey to make the most of the final stage of his recovery, making use of the excellent facilities at The Ridge hotel and the Columbia Park training centre,” they said in a statement on Thursday.

The 34-year-old was seen doing drills with the squad after warming up separately in boots and with the ball in a training session on Wednesday.

He had been limited to indoor work at the team’s training centre with physiotherapists and fitness coaches, with Brazil being cautious about his return to action.

Neymar injured his right calf during Santos’ 3-0 defeat by Coritiba last month, the latest in a long run of injuries and physical setbacks for the forward, who has not played for Brazil in almost three years.

Meanwhile, Brazil must be looking for a World Cup reset rather than another misty-eyed reminder of their glittering past, after a disappointing draw with Morocco left Carlo Ancelotti’s side with bruises, questions and little room for another flop.

The five-times champions were rescued in their opener by a flash of brilliance from Vinicius Jr, who dragged Brazil level after Ismael Saibari gave Morocco an early lead in a first half that left them pinned back and short of ideas.

Morocco, Africa Cup of Nations champions and one of the major surprise packages of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, looked sharper, braver and more coherent for long spells, leaving Brazil relieved to escape with a point.

Now comes Haiti in Philadelphia, a match Brazil will be expected to win but one that arrives with thorns attached.

Haiti, among the tournament’s major underdogs, began with a 1-0 defeat by Scotland, but Brazil’s most awkward opponent may be their own uncertainty.

Ancelotti was criticised for starting striker Igor Thiago and right back Roger Ibanez against Morocco, while midfielders Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta struggled badly before halftime.

The introduction of Danilo, Fabinho and Matheus Cunha after the break brought more balance and energy, handing the Italian coach a familiar tournament puzzle.

Does he back the players who started the opener, preserving cohesion and calm, or respond with changes in search of spark? Danilo said the debate should not be reduced to one lineup, arguing Brazil’s issue runs deeper than rotation.

Saturday’s fixtures (all kick-off times in PST):
Group ‘D’: US vs Australia (12:00 midnight)
Group ‘C’: Scotland vs Morocco (3:00am)
Group ‘C’: Brazil vs Haiti (5:30am)
Group ‘D’: Turkiye vs Paraguay (8:00am)

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2026