World Cup favorites Brazil will be without star forward Neymar for its group stage matches against Switzerland and Cameroon after suffering an ankle injury during the team’s 2–0 against Serbia on Thursday. Brazil’s team doctor confirmed the news, per CBS Sports.
Neymar went down in the 79th minute of that opening victory for Brazil, limping off the field with tears welling up in his eyes after what appeared to be a painful ankle injury. His status was unknown at the time, but manager Tite said he was “confident” that his star would be back during the World Cup.
“You can be sure that Neymar will play the World Cup,” he said. “I am absolutely sure about that. He will play in the World Cup.”
After tests taken on Friday, Goal reports that Neymar will be out for Monday’s Switzerland match, but that Neymar is “optimistic” that he will be able to continue at the World Cup. The site reports that “there is a slight chance” that he will be on the roster for the final group play match against Cameroon on Dec. 2—though it sounds as if that will not happen after the doctor’s update—and will likely return to the starting XI if Brazil makes it through to the knockout phase.
Brazil and Switzerland each have three points in Group G so far, with Brazil sitting in first place with a goal differential of +2.
