Manchester United defender Alex Telles was on the receiving end of a crunching challenge in Brazil training from Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar and was eventually forced to leave the session.
The former Porto left-back was named in the Selecao’s 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament having spent the first-half of the season with Spanish side Sevilla. He will certainly be hoping to play a role as Brazil aim to end their two-decade wait for a title.
Telles - and his teammates - have been hard at work in Qatar ahead of their Group G opener against Serbia on Thursday but all did not quite go to plan.
In one of Brazil’s latest training sessions, the players were taking part in an inter-squad match and Man Utd defender Telles received the ball. In an effort to regain possession for his side, PSG forward Neymar attempted a diving challenge, only to catch his international teammate on the ankle.
He then limped away to the sidelines and fell to the floor clutching his lower leg as the session continued. Neymar then walked over to Telles to check on him, whilst he was joined by Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr and Man Utd teammate Fred.
Telles then got back to his feet to receive some brief treatment from members of the Brazil medical staff before returning to the training session. He and manager Tite will hope that the problem is not too serious with less than a week to go until the nation’s World Cup opener.
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Telles, 29, has accumulated eight caps so far having made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Panama in 2019. He fell out of contention during a difficult spell at Old Trafford but has forced himself back into Tite’s plans with an improved period during his loan spell with Sevilla.
He has made 19 appearances for the LaLiga side in all competitions this season and provided three assists. Speaking earlier this year about his reasons for quitting United, he said: “I think it was a good strategy [going to Sevilla] when it comes to an important year for all of us athletes.
“I declare both the Premier League and La Liga as two of the great championships in the world. But I’m at a very big club too; Sevilla have a very good structure.
“I also had contact with the coach [Julen Lopetegui], who called me, and I thought it was a very good opportunity. I feel really good.”
Whilst Telles will hope to be fit for the tournament, the villain from the latest training session Neymar once again looks to be key to Brazil’s hopes. The former Barcelona star has enjoyed a standout campaign so far with 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
