Neymar took a step forward in his recovery on Thursday. The Brazilian star trained alone for the first time since arriving at the team's World Cup camp, working apart from the rest of the squad as he continues to deal with a calf injury.
Training Solo
The session was brief and light. Neymar ran on the pitch and did some ball work under the watch of Brazil's medical staff. It was his first time on the grass since the injury forced him to sit out previous practices.
He did not join his teammates for the main portion of training. Instead, he worked on the side, a clear sign that the team is being cautious with his return. Brazil's coaching staff has not said when Neymar will be cleared to train fully, but the solo session marks progress.
The Calf Problem
Neymar picked up the calf injury in training before the squad assembled for the World Cup. The exact nature and severity of the issue have not been disclosed by the Brazilian football confederation. The player has missed several practice sessions since the team gathered.
Injuries have dogged Neymar in recent seasons, and the calf problem raised questions about his fitness for the tournament. Brazil is counting on Neymar as one of its key attacking players. His absence from full training has been a concern for fans and the coaching staff alike.
Road to Recovery
The decision to let Neymar train alone suggests the medical team is confident enough in his recovery to allow some activity. But he is not yet ready to mix with the group. The next step will be when he joins the full team for a session, something the squad has not scheduled publicly.
Brazil is set to begin its World Cup campaign in the coming days. Whether Neymar will be available for the opening match remains unclear. The team has other attacking options, but none carry the same weight as the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
For now, Neymar will continue his individual work. The training staff will monitor his response. The rest of the squad prepares without him, waiting for the day he can step back into the group.
