Draft and not spared by the defense, the Brazilian number 10 suffers from a sprain harvested on Thursday.
Special envoy to Lusail
Fear over Brazil. This is perhaps the image of this start to the World Cup, with Neymar hiding his face on the bench, after his exit during Brazil’s victory over Serbia (2-0) Thursday, at the stadium of Lusail. The leader of Seleçao and PSG had just left the game, in the 80th minute, after sitting on the lawn for several seconds, surrounded by his teammates, the Brazilian staff.
Was the former Barcelonan dropped by his body? However, he has been spared any glitches since the start of the season, in the colors of the capital club, and arrived launched in Qatar. A serious injury to “Ney” would obviously be a tragedy for the Brazilian team, five times world champion and who dream of a sixth star at the end of the final on December 18, in this same stadium. In the next few hours, we will hold our breath on the side of Rio.
One thing is certain: Neymar Jr had an ice pack put on his right ankle after sitting on the bench. In tears and comforted as much as possible by his teammates, Lucas Paqueta with his arm on his shoulder, Eder Militao his hand on his head, while the face of the “Ney” was buried in his Auriverde tunic. The first of its partners who came to answer questions from the media in the mixed zone did not seem more worried than that, however, like Alex Sandro: “He looked good. I hope it’s nothing serious and that he can be at the next training with us“Said the Juventus Turin player. Coué method?
In any case, the former Santos player limped seriously when passing in front of the journalists, in the mixed zone, with a scowl. His ankle soon swelled dramatically, as seen at the end of the match (see photo below). Is it serious doctor ? “We started the treatment on the bench. But you have to wait 24 or 48 hours to find out more. We have not yet planned any additional examinations. If needed, we will“, assures Rodrigo Lasmar, doctor of the Seleçao, evoking a “sprain“But refusing to make any predictions for the rest of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “We have to wait (Friday) to find out more. It’s really too early to tell“, he tempers.
Nine fouls suffered
Too early to tell, that’s for sure. But we have the right to grit our teeth in the camp of Seleçao worshipers. Especially since the number 10 has some history when it comes to ankle injuries. Paris Saint-Germain supporters know this well. And the right turned well on a tackle from Nikola Milenkovic. It was… 11 minutes before its release, which Messrs. Lasmar and Tite did not fail to underline at a press conference. “He stayed on the pitch for nearly 11 minutes after his sprain, enduring the pain. Until he can’t go on anymore“, says the Brazilian doctor. “He stayed on the field especially on the two goals with ankle pain because the team needed him. Which shows his ability to bear pain“Adds the coach, ensuring that the person concerned”will continue to play the World Cup». Promis ?
It should be noted that Neymar was not spared by the rough opposing defense, to put it mildly, being cut up at leisure by the Serbian poets and suffering no less than nine faults in a match where Brazil put more than an hour to break the lock. Before unfolding against an overwhelmed Serbia… after the exit of the genius. Draft, Neymar left the spotlight to Vinicius Jr, involved in both goals. The number 10 penultimate pass on the first goal? Above all, he seems to miss his dribble, the young Madrid winger taking advantage of it. We will also remember the magnificent acrobatic return of Richarlison (see above), author of a double on Thursday. A gesture which made the happiness of the many Brazilian public who rushed to the Lusail stadium but which would appear anecdotal in the event of bad news to come…
