Neymar is expected to miss Brazil’s World Cup opener after sustaining a calf injury, with his absence first confirmed for upcoming World Cup friendlies. Reports say the injury occurred while he was playing for Santos in Brazil’s domestic league. Following the injury, Neymar does not take part in Brazil’s friendlies as he recovers. Multiple outlets state that the decision to rule him out is linked to the calf problem and that his condition is monitored as the tournament approaches. The timing of his expected absence extends beyond the friendlies, with Neymar now also set to miss Brazil’s first World Cup match. The situation is treated as a setback for Brazil’s attacking options, but the reporting consistently frames it as an injury-related withdrawal rather than a disciplinary or tactical decision. No alternative return date is specified in the available accounts, and all references focus on the same sequence: injury during Santos’ domestic competition, confirmed sidelining for friendlies, and a likely miss of Brazil’s World Cup opener.