Neymar Injury Update: Is Neymar Playing Today vs. Morocco in World Cup?

Brazil F Neymar is officially listed as out for Saturday's Brazil vs. Morocco World Cup match from MetLife Stadium at 6 p.m. ET.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, suffered a calf injury during a Santos match back on May 17. The 34-year-old was expected to be further along in his rehab process, but he’ll now officially miss Brazil’s World Cup opener later today. 

It is uncertain where manager Carlo Ancelotti would have placed the legendary Brazilian in the lineup, given the squad’s makeup. Ancelotti will have no shortage of attacking players to start in Neymar’s place, with Manchester United star Matheus Cunha the likely beneficiary in the starting XI.

Below, we'll break down the latest Neymar injury update for Saturday, how long Neymar will be out for, and what World Cup picks to potentially target on PrizePicks with Neymar out.

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Neymar Injury Update: Is Neymar Playing Today vs. Morocco?

Neymar suffered a grade two calf injury during a Santos Brasileirao Betano league game against Coritiba on May 17. Many questioned Ancelotti’s decision to include the Brazilian legend in the squad, given that he had suffered a significant injury so close to the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar has officially been ruled out for Saturday's game vs. Morocco. Brazil hoped Neymar’s rehab would have been further along by this point. He is expected to join group training next week in preparation for a matchday two matchup against Haiti.

Ancelotti has already ruled out replacing Neymar in Brazil’s squad, despite several capable players being available and waiting for a call-up. Chelsea star Joao Pedro was one of the most talked-about players when it was announced that Neymar had been selected for the World Cup squad.

Should Neymar return at some point in the group stage, Ancelotti will likely try to find a spot on the starting XI for Brazil’s top scorer. The 34-year-old has an impressive G/A record across his three World Cup appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 3 assists in 13 matches on the biggest stage. His versatility allows Ancelotti to utilize him in any of the front three positions, or even a bit deeper as a CAM.

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How Long is Neymar Out?

Brazil’s manager said Neymar is expected to join group training next week, and we could see the Brazilian legend return to the squad for Matchday 2, when Brazil take on Qatar on June 18.

There had been reports that Neymar could miss the group stage entirely. However, Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference seems to have put those rumors to bed for now. We can infer Neymar could be in contention for the matchday two squad if he can ramp up his training in the coming week.

What Brazil Players to Target for PrizePicks with Neymar Out?

Without Neymar, Brazil still fields an impressive attacking unit with two superstars on either wing and several enticing options up top. Brazil will lean heavily on La Liga stars Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha, who are both capable of bringing a similar skill set and flair on the ball as Brazil’s No. 10.

The Canarinho has grown used to playing without Neymar over the past few years, with the Santos star's last appearance for Brazil coming in October of 2023. Neymar was not a part of Brazil’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers squad that finished fifth among its South American neighbors.

Here are Brazil’s players who may benefit most statistically on PrizePicks with Neymar out vs. Morocco today, plus their World Cup stat projections for Saturday.

• F Raphinha — 1.5 Shots (Goblin) / 2.5 Attempted Dribbles / 4.5 Crosses
• F Vinicius Jr. — 0.5 Shots on Target (Goblin) / 5 Attempted Dribbles / 0.5 Goal + Assist 
• F Matheus Cunha  — 1.5 Shots (Goblin)  / 0.5 Goals + Assist (Demon) / 0.5 Shots on Target (Goblin) 

Cunha is the most likely beneficiary of Neymar's injury, as the 27-year-old prepares to start up top in his first World Cup. The Manchester United star enters the World Cup after scoring 10 goals with 2 assists in his first season with the club.

Combine Brazil to Win + Cunha picks on PrizePicks.

Cunha started as the striker in Brazil’s first pre-tournament friendly against Panama on May 31. He came on as a substitute in Brazil’s final friendly on June 6. Cunha certainly does not bring the same pedigree as Neymar; however, he will still serve as a serviceable piece to complement the team’s other stars.

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Make Brazil vs. Morocco Picks on PrizePicks

Neymar is out, Cunha is expected to start, and Brazil’s opening World Cup match is just hours away.

Filling the shoes of Brazil’s top scorer won’t be easy, but Ancelotti’s side has played without Neymar the past few years and should still have enough to compete with the top teams in the tournament.

Don't wait until lock — make your Brazil vs. Morocco picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you're right.

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