Neymar and Danilo will miss the rest of Brazil’s World Cup group games against Switzerland and Cameroon after suffering injuries in Thursday’s opening 2-0 win over Serbia, a source close to the team said on Friday.
Brazil, who top Group G, face Switzerland on Monday. Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has confirmed that Neymar and full back Danilo will miss that game and are cautious on their return.
“Neymar and Danilo underwent MRIs on Friday afternoon and we found that they both have ligament damage in their ankle,” he said. “They will definitely miss another game and we will be cautious as they undergo treatment to try to get them back in shape so they can play again at the World Cup.”
Neymar was forced to the end of a very heavy tackle with 10 minutes to play against Serbia. A challenge from Nikola Milenkovic eventually cut short his stay on the pitch, leaving him on the sideline with his head in his hands. The forward was fouled nine times.
Neymar has had problems with his right leg and ankle for many years. He should be replaced by Real Madrid’s Rodrigo. However, the bigger question concerns Danilo’s replacement, with 39-year-old Dani Alves the only other specialist right back.
Alves last played for Mexican side UNAM Pumas in September and has been troubled by a knee injury. Brazil coach Tite tested Real Madrid centre-back Eder Milito at full-back in the friendly against Ghana and another option could be Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, who has played at right-back.
Winger Antoni and midfielder Lucas Paqueta are ill and could also miss the match against Switzerland.