Does Neymar get enough protection?

Neymar is often criticised for getting injured too often, however, a large proportion of them (more than half) are caused by the fouls he receives in matches. The Brazilian is constantly being brought down by opponents. According to data provided by BeSoccer, Neymar is the most fouled player in Europe since 2016. With 1,040, he receives more than four fouls per game.

In six seasons at PSG, Neymar has missed 103 games due to various injuries. The most recurrent are those involving the metatarsal bones, adductor muscles and ankles. Of the 103 games, as many as 62 of them are due to injuries sustained by opponents through tackles. The figure rises to 41 matches in terms of injuries caused without the direct intervention of opponents.

Neymar out for the season

PSG announced on Monday that Neymar will undergo surgery to treat the ankle injury he is suffering from and will be out of action for up to four months. The injury occurred in the match against Lille where the pursuit of an opposition player led to him to bending his ankle excessively. It is the eighth injury that the Brazilian forward has suffered from an opponent’s tackle since joining PSG. It is a problem he has suffered throughout his career, both at club level and with Brazil.

In addition to the 103 games he has missed through injury, he has also been absent for other reasons. He has missed 18 games due to suspension, 12 due to rest after a national team break and one due to coronavirus. The 31-year-old has played 173 games for the club, scoring 118 goals and providing 77 assists.