Brazil’s star speaks up
Brazil will have to do without Neymar for the time being at the World Cup in Qatar. The 30-year-old will miss Monday’s next group game against Switzerland due to a ligament injury to his right ankle, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said in Doha on Friday. The same applies to right-back Danilo (31), who also injured his ankle in the 2-0 opening win against Serbia. “But they remain in treatment for the World Cup,” said Lasmar.
Updated at 6:45 p.m: “Today is one of the most difficult moments in my career,” Neymar wrote on Instagram on Friday evening, “and again at a World Cup”. It hurts him, “but I’m sure I’ll have the chance to come back.” He is the “son of the god of the impossible”.
Exactly how long the two professionals will be out remains unclear. Brazilian media unanimously reported that even the entire group phase was over for both of them. Accordingly, they would not be able to play against Cameroon in a week, which has not yet been confirmed by the team. Both players are to receive physiotherapy treatment in the coming days.
While it is a bitter situation for the two professionals, the sporting damage for Brazil should be limited given the quality of the squad. When Neymar had to leave due to injury on Thursday evening, the equally talented dribbling artist Antony (22) came from Manchester United. Rodrygo (21) from Real Madrid, Gabriel Martinelli (21) or Gabriel Jesus (25) from Arsenal could also be considered.
National coach Tite could even select one of three players from this list from this playful pool with a combined market value of 290 million euros, which is on a par with or even better than Neymar according to current market value. And that Brazil can win big titles without Neymar has been clear since the Copa three years ago at the latest – but the Seleção are still worried. The only nominal right-back in the squad alongside Danilo is veteran Dani Alves (39), who is at UNAM Pumas in Mexico.
Brazil’s World Cup squad from one to 120 million euros market value
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