Neymar does not compete in friendlies for the Brazilian team Called up for the World Cup, Neymar underwent more tests this Monday (8) in the treatment of a grade 2 calf injury. According to a note issued by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), released by ge, the player is showing "good progress", but there was no projection regarding the return of the Seleção striker. Understand the player's condition: ➡️A grade 2 injury occurs when there is a partial rupture of muscle fibers. This type of problem is considered moderate in severity, with partial loss of strength and function. (understand below). "In these cases, it means that there has been a partial rupture of the muscle fibers. It is not just an overload or mild inflammation. There is actually a rupture of part of the muscles", analyzes Eduardo Ramalho, orthopedic doctor and specialist in sports trauma. Neymar hugs Carlo Ancelotti at the presentation to the national team at Granja Comary Reproduction/CBF TV What is a muscle injury? The muscles of the human body are made up of thousands of fibers that function like small elastic cables. When the load applied to the muscle exceeds the capacity it can support, some of these fibers end up breaking, leading to muscle injury. Mário Lenza, orthopedic doctor at Einstein Hospital Israelita, explains that muscle fibers all work together to generate movement and strength. He also adds that, in situations of very intense effort — such as sprints, quick changes of direction, acceleration or excess load — some of these fibers may not withstand the tension. "In high-performance sports, this risk increases significantly due to the sequence of games, accumulated physical wear and tear, muscle fatigue, little recovery time between games and even a history of previous injuries", comments the expert. Levels of muscle injuries Ramalho details that, in general, muscle injuries are divided into three main degrees: Grade 1 - happens when there is a small stretch in the muscle. It can cause swelling and some sensitivity, but there is no impairment in movement. Grade 2 - occurs when partial rupture of muscle fibers is diagnosed. It causes moderate pain and partial loss of strength and function. Grade 3 - this is when the muscle completely ruptures or the muscle separates from the tendon. There is almost total loss of function of the affected muscle. Levels of muscle damage. Art/g1 "Although it is not the most serious form possible, a grade 2 injury deserves a lot of attention, especially in a high-performance athlete like Neymar, because the calf is a muscle that is highly demanded in football", comments the doctor. 👉Signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury and may include: Pain or sensitivity Redness or bruising Limitation of movement Muscle spasms Swelling Muscle weakness Treatment and recovery time Initially, treatment of grade 2 injuries focuses on controlling pain, inflammation and edema. Only then does a progressive phase of recovery of muscle function begin, with physiotherapy, strengthening and physical reconditioning. "In the calf, great care is taken because it is a region with a high rate of recurrence. The player may even improve from the pain relatively quickly, but the muscle takes longer to recover its ability to withstand explosive loads", warns Ramalho. At this level of injury, recovery time can vary greatly from athlete to athlete. In general, the return period usually varies between four and eight weeks, depending on the extent and exact location of the rupture. And there is always a concern about the athlete's early return. "The biggest risk of early return is recurrence. When the muscle has not yet fully recovered its resistance, it is very vulnerable to a new tear, often more serious than the first", reinforces the orthopedist. Edema indicated possible injury Last week, the diagnosis of calf edema already indicated that Neymar could be out of friendlies until the World Cup. ➡️Muscle edema is swelling that occurs due to the accumulation of fluids in a certain part of the body. In the case of sports injuries, it is generally caused by direct blows or stretching of muscle fibers. "In these cases, there is an inflammatory process within the muscles, generally caused by overload, trauma or a small muscle injury", explains Ramalho. Neymar felt his calf in Santos' clash against Coritiba, on the 17th. He also adds that muscle edema is often the first sign of muscle distress. It shows that that region was already inflaming and working close to the limit. Neymar's return When the injury was confirmed, on May 28, the CBF doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, said that the player is expected to be released within two to three weeks. Thus, Neymar missed Brazil's two friendlies before the World Cup: against Panama, at Maracanã, and against Egypt, in Cleveland, in the United States. If the most optimistic prediction is confirmed, the striker should be available two days before the team's debut in the competition. But, if the deadline extends, he could miss the first game of the World Cup. Ramalho points out that, in theory, a grade 2 injury could perfectly allow recovery in time, especially considering all the medical structure available for an athlete of this level. But he reinforces that clinical evolution is essential. "But it all depends on muscle healing and mainly on the ability to return at high intensity without a high risk of new injury", he explains. SEE ALSO: World football spoke today about Neymar's call-up for the World Cup