Neymar Absent from Brazil Training Ahead of FIFA World Cup Opener

MORRISTOWN: Brazilian star forward Neymar missed training in Morristown on Thursday as the national team stepped up preparations for Saturday's World Cup opener against Morocco.

The session also marked the 67th birthday of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is bidding to lead Brazil to a record-extending sixth World Cup title and end the Seleção's 24-year wait for football's biggest prize.

Players marked the occasion by giving the Italian a traditional guard of honour, although Barcelona forward Raphinha joked that the players opted for gentler treatment than is customary.

"He passed through it, but nobody touched him," Raphinha remarked. Neymar, meanwhile, remains sidelined as he continues intensive rehabilitation following a grade-two calf injury sustained while playing for Santos in mid-May.

The 34-year-old is expected to miss Brazil's opening match, and there remains uncertainty over whether he will be available for the team's other Group Stage fixtures against Haiti and Scotland.

Despite the absence of Brazil's star forward, confidence within the camp remains high. Benjamin Back, a well-known Brazilian radio commentator, believes Ancelotti will remain faithful to his tactical principles.

"He will have a team that defends and waits for the opponents’ actions, before trying to be quick in the transition to attack once it has the ball," he said.

"It is a young group, with good physical condition, and a great coach. I would put Brazil among the favourites," he added. Brazil's opening match will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.