Neymar left in tears amid fears his World Cup is over after ankle injury against Serbia 

Neymar of Brazil against Peru in Copa America 2021
Neymar of Brazil against Peru in Copa America 2021 / IMAGO

Brazil was given a World Cup scare yesterday when star forward Neymar hobbled off with an ankle injury in the win against Serbia.

The Paris Saint-Germain man was instrumental in his side’s 22-0 win over Serbia at the Lusail Stadium but limped with a strapping applied to his right ankle following a collision in the second half of the game. 

His injury has created anxiety in the Brazil camp, as this isn’t the first time the attacker is experiencing a World Cup. He damaged his back in 2014 and broke a foot ahead of 2018. The former Barcelona man was replaced by Antony in the 80th minute and was in tears as he received medical treatment on the bench, pulling his shirt over his head

However, he was pictured after the game making his way back to the team bus without the need for crutches or a protective boot.

Speaking about the injury, Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said via Sportsmail, “Neymar has a right ankle trauma.

“Due to the impact that he had with the knee of the Serbia player, we immediately started the treatment when he was on the bench.

“With physiotherapy, we need to wait 24 to 48 hours. We have not scheduled an MRI; tomorrow, we will have a new assessment. We need to wait. We can’t make any premature comments on his condition.

“He stayed on the pitch and continued playing for 11 minutes before he was substituted.”

Boss Tite said: “Neymar felt this pain throughout the game, but he decided to stay on the pitch to help his team. So it’s remarkable he could stand this pain to continue playing for his team.”

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who also came on as a second-half sub, also told Brazil TV channel Globo after the match Neymar had hurt his ankle

“I talked to him on the field and he said he had an ankle sprain,” said Rodrygo. “I don’t know what happened, but I hope it’s nothing serious