Switzerland’s tactic of targeting Neymar in their 1-1 draw against Brazil on Sunday has taken a serious toll on the seleção star.
Neymar leaves Brazil’s World Cup practice with ankle injury
Team officials are calling it “a sore ankle.”
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Neymar was forced to leave Brazil’s practice Tuesday after he began limping and pulling on his foot during training, according to Gustavo Zupak of Esporte Interativo. Team officials are calling the injury a “sore ankle.” A lot can change between now and Brazil’s second match, but Neymar is expected to train on Wednesday.
Switzerland put all its energy into stopping Neymar, getting physical with the forward and fouling him at every opportunity. Ten of Switzerland’s 19 fouls came against Neymar — which made him the most-fouled Brazilian player since 1966 and the highest number of fouls in any World Cup game since Allan Shearer commanded 11 fouls for England in a match during the 1998 World Cup.
Neymar suffered a broken foot while playing for Paris Saint-Germain this season, but this is not an exacerbation of that injury. The break occurred in his left foot, while the injury vs. Switzerland occurred to his right.
Brazil’s second game of the World Cup is scheduled for Friday morning against Costa Rica. It’s unclear whether Neymar will be able to participate or not.
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