Neymar suffers ankle sprain in World Cup game against Serbia, doubt for next game
The Brazil forward suffered the injury in the second half of the Group H World Cup match against Serbia.
Brazil forward Neymar has suffered an ankle sprain in the match against Serbia at the Lusail Stadium.
The forward played 79 minutes before being substituted for Manchester United winger Antony after a heavy tackle saw him unable to continue. He was seen on the bench with a heavily swollen ankle and tears in his eyes.
Brazil played Serbia in their opening game of the Qatar World Cup and two Richarlison strikes - including a fantastic overhead-kick effort - sentenced Dragan Stojkovic’s side to a 2-0 defeat.
Team doctors confirmed the news
Team doctors confirmed shortly after the game that Neymar had suffered an ankle sprain, although it is not clear whether or not the injury will keep him out of the next match.
He has just twisted his right ankle and it was swollen”, said team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar. “It is important to see how the injury evolves in the next 24 hours. He have started the treatment with him and we must keep calm and be patient. It is very early to say now whether his World Cup is at risk, we have to be calm and see how he gets on.”
Teammate Vinicius Jr said “[Neymar] took a hit but hopefully he is OK. He will do everything to be with us. He is our most important player.” Casemiro commented after the game that “I haven’t spoken to Neymar, I hope he’s OK. He’s a great player for us.”
Brazil manager Tite said after the game “Don’t worry, Neymar will play the World Cup. He will keep playing, you can be sure about that.” Neymar did not speak to the press after the game, instead leaving shielded by his teammates through the mixed zone.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.