Tuesday, May 07, 2024
Neymar will miss Brazil's next World Cup game against Switzerland on Monday after he suffered ankle ligament damage in his country's opening win against Serbia, the team doctor said on Friday.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was seen with a swollen ankle after being substituted during the 2-0 win against Serbia and doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said in a video he had suffered "lateral ligament damage".
Brazil were sweating on the fitness of Neymar after he underwent the first set of tests on the ankle he sprained in the World Cup win over Serbia.
The forward suffered the injury in a collision with Nikola Milenkovic during the second half of the 2-0 victory in Brazil's opening match in Qatar on Thursday.
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Neymar was seen limping heavily after the game in Doha and photos showed swelling on his right ankle.
The Brazilian football federation (CBF) said in a statement: "Neymar Junior and Danilo underwent examinations on Friday afternoon. The two players went back to the hotel to continue their treatment with the physiotherapy service."
Right-back Danilo is believed to have an ankle strain.
Brazil's next game is against Switzerland on Monday, with their final Group G match against Cameroon next Friday.
Coach Tite was optimistic after the win against Serbia that the Paris Saint-Germain star would be back to lead Brazil's bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup crown.
"You can be certain that Neymar is going to play in the World Cup," Tite said, adding that the attacker had initially stayed on the pitch after hurting his ankle "because the team needed him".
Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said after the game it was too early to jump to conclusions.
"We need to wait 24 to 48 hours to have a better assessment," said Lasmar.
