Neymar reacts to injury concerns as Brazil star awaits results
Despite what appeared to be a painful injury, Brazil’s superstar Neymar decided to congratulate his teammates on their FIFA World Cup victory over Serbia.
The Selecao opened their Group G campaign with a 2-0 victory over the European side on Thursday evening. Richarlison, a striker for Tottenham, scored two goals, one of which was an impressive bicycle kick, to ensure a successful opening match in Qatar.
Despite this, there were unsettling scenes as star forward Neymar was added to the match in the 80th minute after a collision with Nikola Milenkovic. Images of the Paris Saint-Germain player’s swollen ankle began to circulate on social media after the game, as he was seen crying on the bench.
Neymar very fast hopped on social media and expressed the plaudits to his teammates. Writing on Twitter, he said: “Tough game, but it was important to win. Congratulations team, first step taken…6 [more wins needed].”
Despite the lack of a specific update, Brazil manager Tite has already allayed concerns regarding his forward’s fitness. “Don’t worry, Neymar will play in the World Cup,” he said. “He will keep playing, you can be sure about that.”
Tite continued: “I didn’t see Neymar was injured – the capacity he has to overcome it tricked even me.”
Rodrigo Lasmar, a physician from Brazil, confirmed that the 30-year-old will undergo additional testing to determine whether there is a specific issue. He said: “Neymar had a sprain in his right ankle, a direct trauma when his opponent’s knee made a movement causing the sprain.
“He had a little swelling in his ankle, we started the treatment with ice on the bench and he has now followed the physiotherapy treatment. There is no scheduled imaging exam. If there is a need, we will.
“But that will be decided by the measure of his evaluation tomorrow. The expectation is observation. Anything we talk about evolution, his sequel, is premature. We do not have any answers, it is important to wait.”
Any serious issue would be a major setback for the former Barcelona star, whose 2014 campaign in his home country was cut short by a fractured vertebra suffered in the quarterfinal against Colombia. Germany dismantled Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals due to his absence, and Brazil were consequently hampered.
The Selecao will look to continue their undefeated start to the most recent tournament when they face Switzerland and then Cameroon in their final group stage match.
Neymar could move closer to becoming Brazil’s all-time appearance leader if he plays in both games. He is currently 19 appearances behind Cafu, who holds the current record.
Neymar reacts to injury concerns as Brazil star awaits results
