Brazil Dealt Injury Blow As Important Players Ruled Out of World Cup Group Stages

• Brazil stars Neymar Junior and Danilo sustained ankle injuries during their World Cup opener against Serbia
• PSG star Neymar was substituted after sustaining the injury but Danilo played full duration of the game
• The pair are set to miss Brazil's next games in the group stage against Switzerland and Cameroon

Brazil superstar Neymar Junior has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup group stages.

The five-time World Champions started their World Cup campaign in style after recording a 2-0 win over Serbia in a Group G clash on Thursday evening.

Two goals from Tottenham striker Richarlison, including a breathtaking overhead kick, ensured Tite’s side got off to a winning start.

Despite the result and the impressive performance from the Samba Boys, there were panicking moments as vital player Neymar was forced off in the 80th minute.

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Tite hooked off the Paris Saint-Germain star following a heavy collision with Nikola Milenkovic.

The 30-year-old was then sighted in tears on the bench, whilst photos of his swollen ankle went viral after the match.

According to the Guardian, Neymar and his Brazilian teammate Danilo both sustained ankle injuries against Serbia.

“Neymar and Danilo went through an MRI on Friday afternoon and we found ligament damage in the ankle of both of them,” Brazil team doctor said on Friday.

“They will miss the next game for sure and we will be cautious as they will undergo treatment in order to try to get them in shape so they can play again in the World Cup.”

Neymar, the most fouled player

Per the Guardian, Neymar was fouled nine times during the battle against the Eastern European side, more than any other player at the World Cup so far.

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The 2022 World Champions will lock horns with Switzerland on Monday, then round off their group games against Cameroon next Friday.

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.

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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.