Here we go again. Classic Neymar. Every major tournament, there's always something.
Brazil star Neymar faces a 2-3 week recovery from a grade two calf injury that could cause him to miss the Selecao's World Cup opener. The 34-year-old Santos forward would also miss warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt. Brazil's tournament begins mid-June.
I'm not surprised. I really am not. Neymar's body has taken a beating over the years. The fouls, the injuries, the constant drama - it all adds up. And now at 34, his body is telling him to slow down. Except you can't slow down at a World Cup.
An MRI revealed the grade two calf strain, which is not nothing. That's a legit injury that requires proper recovery time. You can't rush back from soft tissue issues, especially at 34 years old. You risk turning a 2-3 week injury into a tournament-ending injury.
But here's the thing - and I know this is going to be controversial - Brazil might be better off without the Neymar drama.
Look at their depth. Vinicius Jr. is one of the best wingers in the world and just won another Champions League with Real Madrid. Rodrygo is electric. Teenage phenom Endrick is fearless and hungry. These young guns don't need Neymar taking up space and oxygen in the locker room.
I know what you're thinking - "Mike, that's disrespectful to one of the greatest Brazilian players ever." And you're right, Neymar is incredibly talented. But let's be honest about where he is in his career. He's 34. He plays in the Saudi league. He's injury-prone. And every tournament becomes about Neymar instead of about .
