Remaining World Cup Group Stage Games To Be Missed By Neymar Due To Injury

After sustaining an injury in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Serbia, on Thursday, Nov. 24, the team doctor has announced that Neymar will miss Brazil's next two World Cup group-stage matches and faces a fight to recover in time for the knockout stage.

Group G leader Brazil will play Switzerland and Cameroon next. The team doctor stated that the team's talisman Neymar and dependable full-back Danilo would only be absent for the Swiss match, Al Jazeera reported.

Rodrigo Lasmar said, “Neymar and Danilo went through an MRI on Friday afternoon and we found ligament damage in the ankle of both of them,” in a statement.

“They will miss the next game for sure, and we will be cautious as they will undergo treatment in order to try to get them in shape so they can play again in the World Cup,” he added.

Neymar, who has long-standing issues with his right foot and ankle, appeared upset as he left the field late in the encounter against Serbia.

He sustained a back injury during the 2014 World Cup triumph against Colombia, which prevented him from playing in the 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany.

His World Cup-winning hopes were once again derailed in Russia in 2018 due to injury. Neymar suffered a sprained right ankle that affected the fifth metatarsal in his foot at the beginning of 2018.

At the conclusion of the domestic season in 2018–19, Neymar missed 16 games for Paris St. Germain and was never totally fit as he battled through the pain to play for Brazil in Russia until they were eliminated by Belgium in the quarterfinals.

The forward suffered similar injuries in 2019 and again last year.

Rodrygo, a young star for Real Madrid, ought to take his spot. The biggest uncertainty is Danilo's replacement, Dani Alves, an experienced right-back who is 39 years old and the only one available.

The former Barcelona man has been struggling with a knee injury.

In a friendly match against Ghana, Brazil's coach Tite tried out Real Madrid center-back Eder Militao as a full-back. He might be another option, as could Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, who has also played right-back in the past.

Both the midfielder Lucas Paqueta and the winger Antony are sick and may not play against Switzerland on Monday, Nov. 28.