Neymar: Deep Concerns for Brazil in Qatar 2022 As Star Hobbles Off With Ankle Injury During Win Over Serbia

• Brazil forward Neymar was forced off the pitch with an ankle injury during their opening game against Serbia at the Lusail Stadium
• Images taken afterwards showed a great swelling on the ankle, with the star only having four days to recover for the next game
• Brazil's Head Coach Tite and Team Doctor have expressed optimism that the Paris Saint-Germain star will be able to continue in Qatar

The next 24 hours will be crucial for Brazil star Neymar to gauge the severity of the injury he picked up during his side's win over Serbia on Thursday, 24th November.

Neymar, almost in tears, hobbled off with an ankle injury in the 79th minute, with Antony taking his place. He was the first player to leave the pitch with images showing a great swelling on the ankle.

Brazil Head Coach Tite has remained upbeat that his star player will be ready for the next game when they take on Switzerland. Victory in that game could guarantee Brazil passage to the next round with a game to spare.

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"Don’t worry, Neymar will play the World Cup. He will keep playing, you can be sure about that," as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

Despite the emergence of other world-class stars, Neymar remains an important cog in Tite's team as they chase a first World Cup title since 2002.

Richarlison bagged a brace as Brazil began their campaign on a positive note. After a cagey first half, the Selecao turned the heat after the break, with the Tottenham Hotspur man scoring from close range for his first and a breathtaking bicycle kick on a half-turn for his second.

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Neymar was lively as always and was fouled 9 times by the combative Serbian players. He has nowadays relinquished his favourite left spot in the national team to make way for Real Madrid starlet Vinicius Junior. The two have formed an enviable partnership, with Neymar occupying a free role somewhere behind the striker.

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Richarlison's brace

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Richarlison scored a stunning goal for Brazil against Serbia in their opening 2022 World Cup game.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker scored his first in the 62nd minute to give the Samba Boys a commanding lead despite a ragged start against the European side.

Serbia provided a tough test for Tite's side early in the game, but Brazil upped the ante as the first half waned. The European side got a few decent chances but were unable to trouble Alisson.

Romario backs Neymar for World Cup glory

Sports Brief has also reported that Brazil forward Neymar has received some cheering words of encouragement from country legend Romario before the PSG star kickstarts his World Cup campaign.

Romario has hailed the 30-year-old as a legend of the game already, despite the forward being constantly criticized back home by his countrymen.

Romario believes the time has come for Neymar to cement his legacy and silence any critics - by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Brazil.