Neymar’s participation in the World Cup is uncertain as the 34-year-old Santos player battles against time, with a history of injuries. Santos have designed a detailed plan to ensure he is in optimal condition for the tournament.
Santos’s Strategy to Manage Neymar’s Fitness
Santos will play 14 games before the predicted final selection date for the Brazilian national team on 18 May by Carlo Ancelotti. Neymar is not expected to play in all of these matches.
The club’s medical team aims for the attacker to participate in approximately half of these games, around 7 to 10 matches at most. The strategy is designed to prevent physical overexertion that could sideline him and jeopardise his chances of competing in the World Cup.
The plan dictates that Neymar will play a maximum of two out of every three games. There is a tendency to avoid away games involving long journeys. One example is the Copa Sul-Americana match against Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador, which Neymar is unlikely to play in due to the altitude and the sequence of games.
Neymar’s Recent Injury History
Neymar suffered a meniscus injury in late 2025 and played through the final phase of Brasileirão 2025 with difficulty. He barely attended training sessions, only appearing the day before games, and spent the remaining time in the gym doing strength work.
Neymar explained his absence from the game against Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte. He said that after the game [against Inter] he was feeling a heaviness in his leg. The doctor thought it best for him not to play in order to avoid any risk, and he agreed.
Neymar said he wasn’t comfortable playing under those conditions. He stated that when he is on the pitch, he always wants to give his all and cannot hold back. This is precisely what concerns the medical department, hence the need for strict external control.
Prioritising Home Games
Matches at Vila Belmiro are prioritised in the schedule to reduce travel fatigue. Santos are scheduled to play Remo this Thursday in the Campeonato Brasileiro, and Neymar is expected to play.
Even for home games, Neymar’s presence isn’t guaranteed. In weeks with more congested schedules, he is likely to be rested for at least one game to balance game time with recovery.
Santos are competing in three competitions. The club returns to the pitch this Thursday.