Injured again: the Brazilian Neymar in action against Serbia. (Reuters photo)
Doha: Neymar will not feature in Brazil’s next World Cup game after injuring his ankle in his side’s first win against Serbia, the team doctor said on Friday, and a report said that he might not return until the last 16.
The Paris Saint-Germain star suffered a ligament injury in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Serbia when he collided with Nikola Milenkovic.
The 30-year-old tried to continue but was substituted with around 10 minutes to go and underwent an examination on Friday.
Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) doctor Rodrigo Lasmar says Neymar will miss the game against Switzerland tomorrow.
However, Brazil Globo Sports indicated that he could also be sidelined for the final Group G game against Cameroon on December 2, but would then return if Brazil reach the knockout stage.
“Today is one of the most difficult moments of my career…and again in a World Cup,” Neymar wrote on Instagram.
“I have an injury yes, it’s annoying, it’s going to hurt but I’m sure I’ll have the chance to come back because I’m going to do my best to help my country, my teammates and myself.”
Brazilian right-back Danilo will also miss Brazil’s second game with a sprained ankle.
“We won’t have these two players for our next match but they are continuing their treatment in order to recover in time for the rest of the competition,” the doctor said in a video broadcast by the CBF.
Coach Tite was optimistic after the game against Serbia that Neymar would be back to lead Brazil’s bid for a record sixth World Cup crown.
“You can be sure that Neymar is going to play the World Cup,” said Tite, adding that the striker initially stayed on the pitch after injuring his ankle “because the team needed him”.
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