Neymar is set to miss Brazil’s next World Cup match against Switzerland after picking up an injury in their opening clash against Serbia.
The Paris Saint-Germain star sustained a ligament damage to his knee in their 2-0 victory against Serbia on Thursday when he collided with Nikola Milenkovic.
The 30-year-old tried to keep playing on, but he was unable to continue and was subsequently replaced by Antony in the 80th minute.
The doctor for the Brazilian football federation (CBF), Rodrigo Lasmar, said that Neymar would not be able to play on Monday against Switzerland.
But Globo Esporte in Brazil said that he could also miss the last Group G game against Cameroon on December 2, but that he would play again if Brazil made it to the knockout round.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Brazil right-back Danilo is also set to miss their second group stage game after picking up an ankle strain.
“We will not have these two players for our next match but they continue their treatment with the aim of recovering in time for the rest of the competition,” the doctor said in a video released by the CBF.
Photo by EPA/Ali Haider