Mbappé urges Neymar to "keep smiling" amid latest injury woes

Kylian Mbappé has taken to Twitter to offer a message of support for PSG team mate Neymar, who has been forced to pull out of the Copa América through injury.

During Brazil’s 2-0 warm-up friendly against Qatar, the PSG star left the field of play in tears after rupturing a ligament in his right ankle – dealing the host nation a huge blow ahead of the tournament's opening on June 15.

Twenty-seven-year-old Neymar has had a harsh run of luck with injuries of late. After having only returned to action at the end of April after a three-month layoff with a foot injury, the Brazil striker will now watch the Copa América tournament from the sidelines. 

And Mbappé was one of the first to offer his condolences to his stricken team mate, urging him to keep his head up amid his latest injury woes and the controversial rape allegations that have emerged against him.

Mbappé's comforting words for Neymar

"Sad news for you, brother, I knew how important this competition was to you, but you will come back even stronger, keep your smile, it will always be your strength,” tweeted the French striker, who, himself, had to withdraw from France’s friendly against Bolivia on Sunday after taking a knock to the ankle.

Although it was later confirmed by France manager Didier Deschamps that the 20-year-old’s injury was “nothing serious”.

Tite to call up Neymar replacement

Full screen

Neymar’s withdrawal from the Copa América forces Brazil coach Tite to call up his replacement for the tournament.

And according to what AS understands, Real Madrid starlet Vinicius is currently the favourite amongst Brazil federation leaders to replace the PSG striker.

Although Tite himself would prefer to call up 31-year-old veteran Renato Augusto ahead of the young Madrid striker, who has yet to make his debut for the national side.