According to their team doctor, Neymar has ligament damage in his right ankle and will miss Brazil’s next two World Cup games.
After being heavily tackled by Nikola Milenkovic in the 80th minute of Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Serbia, the 30-year-old attacker was substituted.
While receiving treatment, Neymar sat with his face covered, and images showed that his right ankle was swollen.
He described the injury as “one of the hardest moments of my career”.
“Nothing in my life came easy and I’ve always had to work for my dreams and goals,” Neymar wrote on Instagram. “I have never wished anyone anything bad and always helped who needed.
“I’m injured, yes it’s not nice, it will hurt but I’m sure I will have the chance to come back because I’ll do everything possible to help my country, my team-mates and myself.”
Right-back Danilo will also miss the following two games due to ankle problems.