1/10
Neymar injured his right ankle, which he had to operate once before.
Christian Finkbeinerfootball boss
Pictures went viral as Neymar pulled his shirt over his head to hide his tears after being substituted on the bench against Serbia. Later, the superstar hobbles through the mixed zone with a swollen foot.
There is talk of a sprain on Friday. But there is no all-clear. Brazil coach Tite is certain that Neymar will continue in the World Cup. When the swelling has subsided, an MRI should finally clarify the injury. Is Brazil threatened by Neymar shock?
Less dependency
The Brazilian journalists in Qatar are unanimous: “Neymar will not play on Monday.” This was also confirmed by team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar on Friday. He leaves it open whether he will be fit again for the last group game against Cameroon. For the Brazilians it is clear anyway: After the gala against Serbia, the round of 16 entry for the record world champion is only a matter of form.
On Friday evening, the superstar also speaks for himself. On Instagram he shares a mysterious message. He writes of “one of the most bitter moments of my career” and calls himself “the son of the god of impossibility”. The great Brazilian hope believes in a comeback: “I’m sure I’ll have the chance to come back. I will do everything to help my country, my teammates and myself.” He ends his cryptic statement with the words “my faith is endless”.
The Seleçao’s dependence on Neymar is less than it used to be. In 2014, Colombian Zuniga pulled the plug on the hosts when he knocked Neymar down with a nasty knee kick in the back. With the end of the number 10, the dream of the title in his own country bursts. In 2018, the superstar draws too much attention to himself. The out follows in the quarterfinals against Belgium. Neymar doesn’t have good memories of the Nati either. At 1-1 in the preliminary round in Russia, he is worn down by Valon Behrami.
Brazil stronger than 2018
Vincent Cavin, today’s assistant to national team coach Murat Yakin, was already there at the time. The Brazilians are stronger than in 2018, especially in the transition phases, he says. “If they lose the ball, they go into counter-pressing very aggressively.”
The Nati assistant sits in the stands like the entire coaching staff during Brazil’s win against Serbia and gets enthusiastic. “It will be very difficult to find a prescription against them.” Brazil had been favorites before the tournament and now they have shown why. “We have to do everything perfectly and hope that they are not in top form.”
But she doesn’t worry the coaching team about the Neymar question. “Whether Neymar plays or not makes no big difference in the game preparation.” Nati coach Yakin also smiles at the question when he is asked about the PSG star in a short small talk. “Brazil has incredible quality on the offensive even without Neymar.” It looks like Neymar and defender Danilo will also be missing against Nati. The Juve Legionnaire injured his left ankle against the Serbs.
In addition, three other Brazilians will miss training on Friday: ManUtd star Anthony is ill, the reasons for midfielder Lucas Paqueta and goalkeeper Alisson are unknown.
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