LIGUE 1
Neymar injured during PSG game against Lille: what is the injury? Will he be back for the game against Bayern?
The Brazilian winger came off in the game against Lille after a nasty fall led him to twisting his ankle.
Brazil and PSG forward Neymar Jr suffered an ankle injury and was carried off on a stretcher in the crazy Ligue 1 win over Lille, which has put his participation in Sunday’s top-of-the-table league clash at Marseille in doubt, as well as the return leg of the UEFA Champions League against Bayern Munich. PSG lost the first leg 1-0 at the Parc des Princes.
The attacker was taken off with his hands over his face after landing awkwardly while challenging for the ball just after the start of the second half.
What is Neymar’s injury?
Paris Saint-Germain confirmed late on Tuesday night that Neymar had suffered ankle ligament damage, although they said that he would undergo additional tests next week and didn’t put a timeframe on when he would be back in action.
“Additional tests today have confirmed that Neymar Jr has sprained his ankle, with some ligament damage. He will undergo further tests at the start of next week”, read a short statement put out by the club.
Teammate Kylian Mbappé (who has had issues with Neymar over behaviour) said after the game: “I hope Neymar’s injury is not serious, I hope he returns soon — we need him with us”.
How long will be out for? Will he be fit for Bayern?
Again, as nothing is confirmed, it is unknown whether or not Neymar will be fit to face Bayern Munich on March 8. The race against time is on for him to be fit for that one, although he will certainly be forced to sit out PSG’s crucial league game at Marseille on Sunday night; the two clubs are separated by just five points at the top of the Ligue 1 standings.
Neymar has had a series of injury issues to contend with in recent times, also injuring his ankle during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in the first Group game against Serbia. He was left out of the PSG squad earlier this year, suffering from muscle fatigue, which saw him miss the game against Montpellier.
Speculation has surrounded Neymar over the past week or so due to news emerging of Nasser Al Khelaïfi meeting with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly over a possible transfer, although reports say Neymar does not want to leave.