Tuesday’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay for Brazil saw Neymar leave the field with a knee injury while in tears. He was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches.
In the 44th minute of the match at Centenario Stadium, the 31-year-old attacker slipped and collapsed while running. He was quickly surrounded by players from both teams as he grasped his left knee.
Teammate Richarlison took Neymar’s position as he was carried away on a stretcher while holding his hands to his face.
At halftime, the Brazilian medical staff had no quick update on Neymar’s condition, but after the match, team physician Rodrigo Lasmar revealed that Neymar had already completed tests and that more will be performed on Wednesday.
“These 24 hours will be crucial to see how the knee will react and how will be the swelling,” Lasmar stated. “Imaging examinations that will specify a specific diagnosis. It’s too soon to say [if the injury is to a ligament]. Let’s analyze and wait for the exams calmly, and once we have a definition, we will let you know.
In Montevideo, Neymar avoided speaking with the media. He wrote on Instagram after leaving the stadium that “God knows about all things.”
“My Lord, you will always receive all praise and glory. I have trust no matter what,” he wrote in the article.
In a match in which Brazil was defeated for the second time in a row, Nicolás de la Cruz and Darwin Nunez each scored once for Marcelo Bielsa’s team. In qualification for the World Cup, it suffered its first defeat in 37 games.
Neymar, who represents Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, came under fire from supporters prior to the World Cup qualifier for his lackluster showing in Thursday’s 1-1 tie with Venezuela.
Brazil captain Casemiro told Globo television, “Let’s hope it’s nothing serious.” He is a crucial player for us, and we adore him. He has sustained numerous injuries, and each time he quickens his speed, another one develops.
Although Neymar has 79 goals in 128 games for Brazil since making his debut for the national team in 2010, he has recently struggled with injuries for both club and country. He missed several months of play in each of the previous two seasons due to various ankle injuries, and after suffering an injury in Brazil’s World Cup opening against Serbia, he missed two games in Qatar.