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Neymar’s chances of featuring in the upcoming World Cup have improved after Brazil confirmed that the forward is showing “good progress” in his recovery from a calf injury.

The country’s all-time leading goal scorer had been expected to be out for two to three weeks after scans last month revealed a grade two muscle tear.

The 34-year-old underwent another scan on Monday, and the Brazilian Football Confederation released a short statement saying: “The examination showed good progress in his treatment, within the expected parameters.

“He will continue his recovery and physical preparation as planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical department.”

Neymar, who is battling to regain full fitness ahead of Brazil’s World Cup campaign, has already missed two warm-up matches — last month’s 6-2 victory over Panama and Saturday’s 2-1 win against Egypt. He now faces a tight race to be ready for Brazil’s opening group fixture against Morocco on 13 June.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, who returned to his boyhood club Santos in early 2025, has struggled with injuries in recent years.

He suffered a rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil against Uruguay in October 2023.

Despite these setbacks, Neymar managed to convince Carlo Ancelotti to include him in Brazil’s squad for this summer’s tournament, ahead of players such as Joao Pedro.

Having scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, Neymar is aiming to feature in his fourth World Cup, having already represented his country in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions.