Neymar: Brazil's Blessing or Burden

There has been much debate surrounding whether Neymar should be included in Brazil's World Cup squad. One faction could not imagine Brazil without Neymar. Huge stars like Ronaldo Fenômeno were also in this camp. On the other hand, some like Carlo Ancelotti demanded complete fitness. On one side, emotion; on the other, harsh reality.

In the end, emotion triumphed. Even the stoic Ancelotti could not remain strict. But the reality is that an injury-free Neymar seems like an illusion. Upon joining the training camp, it became clear that the muscle injury in his right leg was no minor issue. He has a Grade 2 injury to his calf muscle, which will take two to three weeks to heal. He may even miss the first match against Morocco. It is unknown exactly when he will be fully fit to return to the field.

This has put Neymar's club, Santos, and the national team in a confrontational position. Santos' doctor had said it was a minor injury that would heal within a week. But after Neymar entered the camp, a different picture emerged. This raises suspicion about the club authorities—that they concealed the severity of the player's injury so that Neymar would be called up to the national team. Whatever the case, Neymar's inclusion has created an embarrassing situation rather than strengthening the national team.

Under such circumstances, any other player would have been dropped from the squad as soon as the injury was detected, and a replacement called up. But Neymar is not an ordinary player, which is perhaps why they are waiting. The forward, who has scored the most goals (79) for Brazil, can certainly make a huge difference if he is in the squad. Moreover, he has a strong desire to play in this World Cup. But at age 34, his career has become so plagued by injuries that the big question is when he can be found fully fit. Brazil's coaching staff has said they will wait until the day before the first match against Morocco to see if he is fit to play the remaining matches of the tournament.

If he can return after recovering from injury, Neymar will certainly be the 'X-factor' for the Seleção. Football experts do not see this team, which has been limping along recently, as capable of winning any trophy. Is it enough to have forwards like Vinícius and Raphinha? They cannot replicate their club form in the yellow jersey. Moreover, there are many flaws in defense and midfield. This team also lacks a wing-back like Marcelo or Roberto Carlos. Therefore, an injury-free Neymar could be Brazil's savior. He alone could bring the colors of a championship trophy.
The team desperately needs this star. And he also has a strong desire to play in this World Cup. On Saturday, while leaving Granja Comary for the World Cup journey, Neymar became very emotional. This has always been the national team's training camp. On Saturday, he stepped onto the field at the camp and joked around with Vini and the others. He gave autographs to fans. Players said goodbye to their relatives and left the field one by one. Neymar stood for a while, gazing absently. He seemed lost in thought. Finally, he too left for Rio de Janeiro along with his teammates.

In Rio, Brazil will play their final match on home soil before the World Cup, against Panama. On Sunday, fans at the Maracanã will bid good luck to the voyagers of the Hexa mission. They will try to fill their hearts with hope. But Neymar, the one who could breathe wind into the sails of their hope, will not be seen in the yellow jersey. So the fans may well feel a sense of regret—

"In name you are a close one, but in deeds you are far away,
Will this story of injuries never find an end?"