Brazil’s talisman Neymar is out against Switzerland with an ankle injury
Neymar will miss Brazil’s World Cup clash against Switzerland with an ankle injury.
Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has told journalists that the 30-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star will be absent on Monday after scans revealed a lateral ligament injury.
Neymar, who was replaced by Manchester United winger Antony in the 80th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 Group G win over Serbia, was later pictured on the touchline with a despairing look.
Both he and Juventus defender Danilo now face an uphill battle to be fit for next Friday’s final group game against Cameroon.
Lasmar said: “Neymar and Danilo underwent an MRI and we found both ankle ligament damage.
“It’s important to keep calm and evaluate day by day. The idea is to recover them for the rest of the competition.”
Neymar has a history of right ankle problems and has been fouled nine times against Serbia – the most players in a single game at Qatar 2022 so far.
His absence is likely to see Gabriel Jesus, Antony or Gabriel Martinelli called up in Tite’s starting XI to face the Swiss.
In many ways, Danilo’s injury is also problematic for the head coach as he severely lacks right-back options.
Veteran full-back Dani Alves, 39, who is currently with Mexican club UNAM, is expected to win the nod.
A brilliant brace from Richarlison was enough to give the tournament favorites a win to start the season last night.