Image via BBC
After being replaced due to an ankle injury in Brazil’s opening World Cup victory over Serbia, Neymar appeared to be in tears on the bench.
The forward’s injury was confirmed by the Brazilian team doctor, who added that it would be examined again on Friday.
“We are confident Neymar will continue playing in the World Cup,” Brazil head coach Tite insisted.
After being heavily tackled by Nikola Milenkovic in the 80th minute of Thursday’s 2-0 victory, the 30-year-old was substituted.
While undergoing treatment, he sat with his face covered, and images revealed that his right ankle was severely swollen.
“I didn’t see Neymar was injured – the capacity he has to overcome it tricked even me,” Tite added when asked why Neymar was not withdrawn earlier.
“Tomorrow [Friday] we will have a new assessment,” said team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar. “Now we need to wait, we cannot make premature comments.”
Over the previous few years, the Paris St. Germain striker has experienced numerous right foot injuries.
After experiencing torn ligaments in his right ankle, he missed the 2019 Copa America and missed many weeks of action in 2021 due to a similar injury.