Neymar: National team is alert, but the star's surroundings minimize injury
The confirmation of the grade 2 muscle injury in Neymar's calf raised the alarm bells in the Brazilian team. The recovery period informed by the medical team means that the number 10 will be left out of the preparatory friendlies and also puts his presence in the World Cup debut at risk.
Despite possible concern behind the scenes at the CBF, people close to the player interviewed by CNN show complete confidence that Neymar will be fit to compete in the World Cup.
Before joining the national team at Granja Comary, Neymar maintained an intense recovery routine at Santos. According to reports obtained by the report, the attacker had been training in three periods - morning, afternoon and night - in an effort to speed up his physical recovery.
Close friends claim that, even outside the club, Neymar supplemented his work at home, including gym sessions at night and on weekends. The assessment of these people is that the player's physical evolution is noticeable, especially when compared to other recent moments in which he was even injured.
Another point cited by people around us is the mental aspect. According to reports, Neymar would be very focused and committed to the recovery process. Visually, according to friends, the attacker has no difficulties walking or apparent signs of physical limitations, despite the muscular diagnosis.
But precisely this scenario raises important questions behind the scenes of football. Does the absence of visible signs of severity actually mean that the player will be fit to perform at a high level in a World Cup? What's more: if it weren't for Neymar, would an athlete with the same clinical condition have already been cut from the national team?
In the player's inner circle, however, the answer is straightforward: Neymar will remain in the group and will be an important player in the World Cup.
A close friend of the striker compared the situation to Ronaldo Fenômeno's trajectory before the 2002 World Cup.
"Ronaldo went to the World Cup after practically two years off. Neymar had a problem with his calf, something considered mild compared to what we've seen in football. He's walking normally, he's taking care of himself and he'll be fine for the World Cup," he told CNN.
The same source argues that the Seleção's technical committee preserves Neymar in friendlies and avoids any unnecessary exposure before the tournament.
"It doesn't make sense to risk Neymar in a friendly now. He doesn't need to play 90 minutes against any team just to prove something. He has to arrive at the World Cup with zero success", he said.
Behind the scenes, there is a perception that Neymar's weight within the Seleção goes beyond the field. People close to him believe that the presence of number 10 directly impacts the group's atmosphere, the team's global impact and even commercial interest in the tournament.
The expectation of those around the player is that he will be fully recovered throughout the competition, even if he does not play during all the preparatory friendlies.
Neymar has a muscle injury and CBF confirms his absence from friendlies; understand
Source: CNN