Matheus Cunha, concentrated with the Brazilian team, this Friday reduced concerns about Neymar's muscle injury and assured that, "clearly", he will arrive well for the 2026 World Cup, which starts on June 11.

“I think his injury will clearly give him the opportunity to reach our goal well,” the Manchester United striker said at a press conference in Teresópolis, where the Canarinha has been concentrated since Wednesday.

Cunha, who is preparing to compete in his first World Cup, said that it is always “sad” to see teammates going through moments of physical difficulties and recalled the cases of Rodrygo (Real Madrid) and Estêvão (Chelsea), who were not on the squad list due to injury.

“No one wants to go through that,” he said. In this sense, he hopes that he and the other 25 players chosen by coach Carlo Ancelotti are physically “ready” to help because “that is the most important thing.”

Neymar's condition has attracted all the attention in these first days of concentration for the five-time world champion.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) reported on Thursday that number 10 suffers a grade II muscle injury in the right calf that will keep him out for two to three weeks.

Everything indicates that he will miss the two previous friendlies against Panama and Egypt. In addition, he is a doubt for the debut in Group C against Morocco, on June 13 in New Jersey.

Asked if Neymar, despite being out, has asked the group to wear the number 10 on their backs, Cunha responded that “the issue of numbers is very irrelevant.”

"It doesn't matter what number one is wearing. We saw his reaction (by Neymar) for returning. Someone so great and showing all that pride for being back... The question of numbers is totally out of our reach," he indicated.

All in all, the Santos forward will be Brazil's 10th in the United States, Mexico and Canada event, as confirmed to EFE by a CBF source.