Brazil forward Neymar will miss the team’s second World Cup group match against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday as he continues recovery from a calf injury.
The Brazilian Football Association said that Neymar will remain in New Jersey to complete the final stage of his recovery programme while making use of the facilities at The Ridge Hotel and the Columbia Park training centre.
The association said in a statement on Thursday that the player would stay behind to maximise his rehabilitation before a return to action. The 34-year-old took part in training on Wednesday, carrying out drills with the squad after warming up separately in football boots and with the ball.
He had previously been restricted to indoor rehabilitation work at Brazil's training centre under the supervision of physiotherapists and fitness coaches, with the team taking a cautious approach to his recovery.
Neymar suffered a right calf injury during Santos' 3-0 defeat to Coritiba last month. It is the latest setback in a lengthy spell of injuries for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, who has not represented Brazil for almost three years.
Brazil have one point after opening their World Cup campaign with a draw against Morocco, while Haiti sit bottom of the group following defeat to Scotland.
Brazil forward Neymar will not travel with the squad for their second World Cup group game against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday as he continues to recover from a calf injury, the Brazilian football association said.
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