Brazil kicked off their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in fine form with a 2-0 win over Serbia on Thursday – but there are bigger concerns for the Selecao following an injury to star attacker Neymar.
Richarlison scored a second-half double in the crucial win, which sees the Selecao claim an early spot at the top of Group G.
But more worryingly, superstar Neymar left the field in tears after suffering a heavy knock late in the game.
The PSG attacker is no stranger to suffering injuries at the worst possible time, and all eyes will now be on his fitness going forward.
Neymar’s latest World Cup injury
After playing a role in Brazil’s opening goal against Serbia on November 24, Neymar was sent off in the 80th minute.
The 30-year-old fell to the ground after suffering a heavy tackle with what appeared to be an injury to his right ankle, which was quickly treated by Brazil’s medical staff.
Neymar took aim in the Serbia game, fouling a tournament-high nine times, and he finally felt the full weight of one of those challenges.
— Gols Copa 2022 (@golscopa2022) November 24, 2022
📸Así quedó la pierna de Neymar tras la entrada de Milenkovic. pic.twitter.com/Do0dD1v1F2
— Express Futbol (@ExpressFutbolCL) November 24, 2022
Neymar was visibly emotional as he left the field, and was seen in tears on the bench – with fears the injury could now limit his involvement at the 2022 World Cup.
Brazil will look to further assess the injury, possibly in the next 24 hours with scans to confirm the extent of Neymar’s latest injury.
Judging by his immediate reaction and the subsequent pig, the news may not be good for him or the team, as they look to win their first World Cup in 20 years – although coach Tite later told the press he was hopeful it wouldn’t happen. serious
He insisted: “Neymar will play [the rest of the World Cup]. I am absolutely sure that Neymar will play!”
Neymar had to exit the pitch late in their clash with Serbia with an apparent ankle injury. 😬 pic.twitter.com/XQNjCmWPD3
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 24, 2022
Neymar kicked out of another big tournament?#BRA pic.twitter.com/EqtutcPkl9
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) November 24, 2022
When will Neymar play for Brazil?
Neymar will miss Brazil’s remaining group games, although it is expected that he will return for the round of 16 if they qualify as expected.
News of the injury was reported by Brazilian outlet Globo, who reported that right-back Danilo was also set for a similar layoff after suffering an ankle injury.
Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said, “The scan showed that Neymar has an injury to the lateral ligament in his right ankle, as well as a small bone swelling.
It will give Neymar around 11 days to rest and try to get fit before Brazil take the field in the knockout stages.
Who can Brazil replace Neymar?
Neymar’s injury will leave a huge gap on the pitch for Brazil.
He was decisive in his first goal of the 2022 World Cup against Serbia, his one-on-one ability almost impossible to match.
Antony replaced Neymar against Serbia and the Manchester United youngster certainly has the creative ability to fill Neymar’s void.
Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as another possible option, and the 25-year-old was not used in Brazil’s opener, so he will be good to go.
Guimarães is slightly more defensive-minded than Neymar, however, so Tite may need to change his formation somewhat to account for this.
Neymar’s injury history
Unfortunately, Neymar is no stranger to getting injured at the worst possible time while playing for Brazil.
The 30-year-old missed his side’s infamous 7-1 defeat to Germany at the 2014 World Cup after injuring his back.
Four years later, Neymar struggled somewhat in Russia after fracturing his fifth metatarsal three months before the tournament began.
It looks like it will be a case of third-time unlucky as Brazil sweat over the fitness of their superstars in Qatar.
Neymar arrived at the 2022 World Cup in form and fit, with his last injury ruling him out at club level in February this year.