Rodrigo Lasmar stated that Brazil’s forward would not be able to recover in time for Friday’s Group G match against Cameroon.
Neymar was not able to attend Monday’s match against Switzerland. Brazil won 1-0 to earn its place in the round. Brazil will take first place in the group if it draws against Cameroon.
Lasmar didn’t give any details about Neymar’s return and also did not indicate if it would happen at all. Brazil’s coaching staff reiterated Tuesday that Neymar, a forward for Paris Saint-Germain, was expected to return at the tournament in Qatar.
Neymar, who suffered ligament damage in his ankle against Serbia during Brazil’s first match, was the only player not to attend Stadium 974 for the match against Switzerland. For physiotherapy treatment, he stayed at the hotel.
Lasmar stated that Neymar also had fever Monday but it was under control and wouldn’t affect his ankle treatment.
Lasmar stated that Danilo also has an ankle injury and that Alex Sandro was also out of Monday’s match due to a muscle injury. He will not play against Cameroon.
Danilo was injured during the team’s opening week. He also missed the match against Switzerland. Alex Sandro was injured in the final minute of Brazil’s victory against the Swiss. He was replaced by Alex Telles. On Tuesday, tests revealed that he had a left hip muscle injury. Lasmar did not offer the expected recovery time to Alex Sandro and Danilo Sandro.
Tite took Neymar’s place with Fred and Danilo, with Eder Militao as the starting line-up on Monday. Although the coach had not yet announced who would play on Friday’s match, it was expected that he would rotate players as a draw against Cameroon would suffice to secure first-place. The last-16 match would be played three days after Brazil finishes the first round. Brazil would be facing Group H, which comprises South Korea, Uruguay and Ghana.
Neymar is trying to win his first major title in Brazil. He is just two goals away from Pele’s record of 77 with Brazil.
He was also prevented from participating in the 2019 Copa America in Brazil because of his right ankle. He was also withdrawn from the World Cup Brazil five years prior after sustaining a back injury in the quarterfinals against Colombia.
Brazil complained Tuesday about Stadium 974’s field conditions. If it finishes first in its group, it could return for the round 16 at Stadium 974. Brazil’s team stated that it would request FIFA to improve the grass conditions at Stadium 974.
