Casemiro Makes Strong Neymar Jr. Statement After Unfortunate Injury News

Casemiro is standing firmly behind Neymar Jr. as Brazil's FIFA World Cup preparations continue. The Brazil national team forward has suffered another injury setback at a difficult time, raising fresh questions about his fitness before the tournament. But Casemiro does not seem interested in writing off his long-time teammate.

The Manchester United midfielder believes Neymar is still one of the few players capable of controlling a game at the highest level, and he made it clear that Brazil's World Cup hopes are stronger with him involved.

Brazil's camp has opened with Neymar Jr.'s fitness once again becoming the main story, and Casemiro did his best to calm the noise around his teammate. Neymar is currently dealing with a calf problem that could keep him out for the early part of Brazil's World Cup build-up, including the friendlies before the tournament.

Still, Casemiro made it clear that the squad is not treating Neymar like an afterthought.

"Every time I come here, I have to talk about him," Casemiro said with a smile, before adding that Brazil are waiting on all their players to get healthy. "We need everyone… Everyone is important, including Neymar."

The strongest part of his answer came when he was asked about whether Neymar's role as Brazil's main man is now gone. Casemiro immediately pushed back. "That's you saying it, that he won't be the protagonist," he said.

What Is Neymar Dealing With ?

The 34-year-old has been ruled out of Brazil's warm-up matches after tests confirmed a grade two calf injury, which is more serious than the initial suggestion that it was only swelling. Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said Neymar underwent further checks, including an MRI, and is expected to need two to three weeks before being cleared.

That timeline makes things uncomfortable for Brazil. Neymar will miss the friendlies against Panama and Egypt, and there is now some doubt over whether he will be ready for the opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 13.

The situation is especially frustrating because Neymar had only just rejoined the national team setup after a long spell away. He has not played for Brazil since 2023, with injuries repeatedly interrupting his career.

Carlo Ancelotti still selected him ahead of names like Joao Pedro and Richarlison, a decision that already created debate. When Neymar's name was announced, fans in Rio cheered, showing how much excitement still surrounds him.

But now Brazil has to wait. Neymar has played in three previous World Cups and could make it four this summer, but his body once again has to cooperate first.

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 12:35 PM.