World Cup 2022: Neymar’s World Cup Could Reportedly Be Over As Ankle Injury Worse Than Imagined

World Cup 2022: Neymar’s World Cup Could Reportedly Be Over As Ankle Injury Worse Than Imagined

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM
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  • Neymar Junior's 2022 World Cup campaign could reportedly be over
  • The Brazil talisman continues with his recovery from an ankle injury
  • Photos of his injury surfaced online, leaving Brazil fans concerned

Neymar's World Cup campaign could reportedly be over, as there are growing fears that the Brazil talisman is losing his battle with injury.

The 30-year-old PSG winger sustained an ankle injury in Brazil's first game in the group stage against Serbia. A photo of his swollen ankle was spotted online, causing panic among Brazil fans.

Neymar, Brazil, PSG, Serbia, 2022 World Cup Qatar
Neymar is playing in his fourth World Cup, but his tournament could already be over. Photo by Markus Gilliar.
Source: Getty Images

The Brazil talisman will miss his nation's last group game against Cameroon, a game which they will look to win to seal top spot in Group G.

Neymar was expected to lead his country to World Cup glory for the first time in 20 years. Against Serbia, the Paris Saint-Germain star was given little time and space and was fouled almost ten times, according to the Athletic.

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Some fans urged officials to protect stars like Neymar, or else they will seriously get injured.

Is Neymar's World Cup over?

Brazil will face Portugal, Ghana, South Korea or Uruguay in the last 16. The Samba Boys were hoping to get their star back before the start of the knockout round, but it seems it has come too soon for him.

According to the Mirror, the injury suffered by Neymar is worse than previously imagined. He was diagnosed with an ankle sprain, but it seems he could have damaged ligaments too.

Neymar, Brazil, 2022 World Cup, Tite, Serbia
Neymar has played only one game in Qatar. Photo by Fu Tian.
Source: Getty Images

If his ankle ligaments are damaged, Neymar will have to be on the sidelines for about three weeks, and could probably return in time for the final on December 18.

The former Barcelona man has not started serious weight training and has been confined to rehab in the pool. Since the injury, Neymar has been under observation from team doctors and has received therapy.

Brazil won't risk injured players

Sports Brief earlier reported on Brazil vowing not to risk injury to players in their final group match against Cameroon. With little to play for in their final World Cup group game, Brazil will likely ring in changes for the match.

With the injury to Neymar still dominating headlines, Selecao coach Tite wouldn't want to lose any more players before the knockout stages.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli could be handed their first starts of the tournament, while veteran defender Dani Alves is also expected to star from the front.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.