Casemiro does not anticipate the events and hopes that Neymar Jr. recovers before the World Cup
"Neymar has to get back to being healthy and then think about being a protagonist and playing," Casemiro said. Neymar suffers a grade II muscle injury
Midfielder Carlos Henrique Casimiro 'Casemiro', concentrated with the Brazilian team for the 2026 World Cup, stated this Thursday that Neymar, "first", has to recover from his grade II calf injury, and then then think about playing and being a "protagonist."
“No player likes to be injured, but I hope that Neymar and all the players are healthy to be able to play because we know that we need everyone,” the former Manchester United midfielder said at a press conference in Teresópolis, in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, where the Canarinha is concentrated.
Casemiro also highlighted the “greatness” of the number 10 shirt and his “experience” after having played in three World Cups and being on the verge of the fourth.
"He has already been through a lot of things in football, but without a doubt he can bring a lot of experience. As for the environment, everyone there already knows each other... Without a doubt, the experience he has, going to his fourth World Cup, we know is important," said the former Real Madrid player.
Asked again about the Santos attacker, Casemiro showed some discomfort at “having to talk about Neymar, Neymar, Neymar” every time he offers a press conference with the senior team.
“Neymar is like another player within the group, another important player within the group, of the 26. He is a player who is now recovering from his injury, who will want to return to training first,” he said.
And he added: "Because it has to be done in steps. First, Neymar has to get back to being healthy and then think about being a protagonist and playing, but first he has to take care of his health."
Before Casemiro's appearance, the Canarinha doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, reported that Neymar, the big surprise on coach Carlo Ancelotti's list for the World Cup, was diagnosed with a grade II muscle injury in the calf region that will keep him out for two to three weeks.
According to these deadlines, the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player will miss the two pre-World Cup friendlies against Panama and Egypt, and is a serious doubt for the debut against Morocco, on June 13.