Explained: Why PSG Are Better Without Brazilian Playmaker Neymar

• Neymar's recent injury, which will rule him out of the remainder of the season, is deemed a blessing in disguise
• He previously missed matches in the Champions League knock-out phase due to injuries in 2018, 2019, and 2021
• The Brazilian playmaker has missed more than 100 games for PSG since his record transfer move from Barcelona

Neymar's recent injury has been described as a blessing in disguise for Paris Saint-Germain, ahead of their blockbuster Champions League playoff against Bayern Munich.

The Brazilian playmaker sustained an ankle injury during PSG's clash against LOSC Lille in Ligue 1 last month, ruling him out of the rest of the season.

Despite Neymar's undeniable playmaking impact on the game, former Premier League star, Ashley Westwood has argued the 31-year-old is a liability.

Putting the player-turned-pundit's comments into perspective, PSG have arrested their losing streak in the Brazilian's absence, recording three successive wins - including the game he was injured in.

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"PSG are better without Neymar," Westwood told Hindustan Times. "You know he is so good on the ball. He is so fast in his dribbling technique."

"When he gets on the ball, he kind of attracts two or three players from the opposition because there's a lot of focus on stopping him."

Westwood further explained his point by claiming PSG don't gel well when Neymar and Messi play alongside each other, per Sportskeeda.

"If you are to be PSG with him and Messi in the side, they don't defend very well from the front. Both of them - they are not great at possession. They don't do the hard yards if you would like. And it can be a little bit open when you play both."

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Neymar sidelined for four months

Neymar faces four months out and is sidelined for the rest of the season for PSG, with the forward set to undergo ankle surgery.

The Brazilian, who suffered the injury on February 19 against Lille in Ligue 1 has taken the club's suggestion of an operation.

In a statement, the Parisians noted Neymar's 'several episodes of instability in the right ankle' and said he will be treated in Doha.

It was initially reported he had suffered a sprained ankle but is now said to have weakened his ligaments - putting his career at risk.

Neymar branded biggest flop

Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported on Neymar receiving backlash from fans of PSG after another underwhelming performance for the Ligue 1 champions.

The Brazilian star was part of the starting XI alongside Lionel Messi as they lost to Rennes 1-0 in a Ligue 1 game, sparking fans to turn on the Selecao star.

According to Daniel Riolo, a sports journalist, the 30-year-old has failed to find his spark after the World Cup and slammed his transfer from Barcelona.