Neymar is expected to miss Brazil’s final two group matches with his World Cup campaign in Qatar still in doubt.
The Paris Saint-Germain star was forced off with a sprained ankle during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia on Thursday and appeared to be in tears as he watched the conclusion of the contest from the bench.
Selecao boss Tite said post-match he is ‘confident’ the 30-year-old will still have a role to play but the favourites for the competition will have to navigate through their remaining group matches without their talisman, according to Marca.
The report claims Neymar will definitely miss Monday’s meeting with Switzerland and will be considered a major doubt for Cameroon on Friday. Should Brazil wrap up qualification by the time that meeting with the Indomitable Lions comes around, the forward will almost certainly not be risked.
In a further injury headache for Tite, full-back Danilo is also expected to miss the Switzerland and Cameroon games with an injury of his own, hobbling through the final minutes of last night’s 2-0 win.
TNT Sports Brasil report the Juventus right-back is also struggling with a sprained ankle with Real Madrid’s Eder Militao expected to come into replace him. 39-year-old Dani Alves is another option.
Neymar has struggled with ankle problems in the past and while his latest issue is a setback, Tite insisted on Thursday it is not a serious one.
He told a press conference: ;We are confident that Neymar will continue playing in the World Cup.’
Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar added: ‘We need to wait 24-48 hours in order to have a better assessment.
‘We have not scheduled any MRI and tomorrow we’ll have a new assessment.’
Brazil sealed victory over Serbia through a brace from Tottenham forward Richarlison, justifying his selection with a sensational goal of the tournament contender.
‘I think this was an important victory with many wins in the same game. (In the first half) this wasn’t our normal standard.
‘In the second half we repositioned people and we improved technique.
‘I had six, seven names to call (on) and, whoever I called, we would have had a great team.
‘Richarlison is fantastic. We see how he controls a ball, it goes up and he adjusts all his plans.’
MORE : Brazil face anxious wait on Neymar injury after World Cup opener
MORE : Neymar in tears after injury during Brazil’s World Cup win vs Serbia
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