Brazil fans have been assured their star man Neymar is not out of the 2022 World Cup after he suffered ankle ligament damage in his country’s 2-0 win over Serbia on Thursday.
Neymar and teammate Danilo both went for scans following the physical group-stage encounter, which resulted in Brazil’s talisman being taken off in the 80th minute.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was seen sitting on the bench with his face covered as he received treatment. Images after the game displayed a swollen right ankle.
But speaking on Friday, Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar insisted there was no panic around the 30-year-old’s fitness.
More from Football
“Neymar and Danilo went through an MRI on Friday afternoon and we found ligament damage in the ankle of both of them,” Lasmar said.
“It is important to be calm and evaluate day by day. The idea is to recover them for the rest of the competition.”
The cause of the injury was a heavy challenge from Nikola Milenkovic midway through the second half. Neymar carried on for 12 more minutes before headline to the sidelines.
“He remained [on the field] for the two goals we scored, feeling his ankle, because the team needed him,” said Brazil manager Tite afterwards. “In this moment he had the ability to overcome his pain and was present for both goals.”
Neymar himself addressed his injury on social media, saying: “Today has become one of the most difficult moments of my career… and, again, in a World Cup.
“I have an injury. Yes, it’s annoying and it’s going to hurt, but I’m sure I’ll have the chance to come back because I’ll do whatever possible to help my country, my teammates and myself.
“The enemy has waited a long time to take me down like this? Never! I am the son of the Impossible God and my faith is endless.”
Analysis: Neymar injury gives Tite selection conundrum
With Neymar now out of Brazil’s final two group games, boss Tite knows he has decisions to make over his team selection. Neymar played behind centre forward Richarlison on Thursday, with Raphinha one side and Vinicius Junior on the other.
The obvious alternative is Real Madrid’s Rodrygo – a like-for-like replacement for the Brazilian superstar. But Tite could also choose to push midfielder Lucas Paquetá forward and bring in a defensive midfielder, perhaps Fred or Bruno Guimarães, in alongside Casemiro.
Tite also needs to work out his right-side options now Danilo is likely to be ruled out. Dani Alves is the go-to replacement, but at 39 he may need additional protection from Raphinha on that flank, which could impact on the Barcelona man’s offensive influence.
Eder Militão is another option at right-back after Tite indicated during Brazil’s September friendlies that the Real Madrid central defender could fill in where required.
Brazil face Switzerland in their second Group G game on Monday, before a final clash against Cameroon on Friday. Having already secured three points against Serbia, they need just one more win to secure safe passage to the last-16.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/sWOPwzv
Post a Comment