Neymar has described his latest injury setback as 'one of the hardest moments of his career' after being ruled out of Brazil's final two 2022 World Cup group fixtures.
The Selecao secured a 2-0 victory over Serbia in their opening Group G game on Thursday, but the win was marred by the injuries sustained to both Neymar and Danilo.
The Paris Saint-Germain star was on the receiving end of a strong challenge for Nikola Milenkovic midway through the second half, and he continued for 11 minutes before being withdrawn in the 80th minute.
The 30-year-old attacker was seen in tears and with considerable swelling round his right ankle, and he was later pictured with an ice pack round the injured area as he was consoled by his teammates on the bench.
Right-back Danilo also picked up an ankle problem towards the end of the match and hobbled off the pitch at full time.
© Reuters
Brazil's team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has now confirmed that both players have sustained ankle ligament damage and have been ruled out of Monday's Group G contest against Switzerland, while they are also expected to miss the final group game against Cameroon on December 2.
Neymar has suffered lateral ligament damage to his right ankle along with a small bone edema, while Danilo has a medial ligament injury to his left ankle.
"Neymar and Danilo went through an MRI on Friday afternoon and we found ligament damage in the ankle of both of them," Lasmar said. "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."
"It is very important for us to be very calm, peaceful; this assessment will be carried out daily so that we have information and make the best decisions based on that."
Neymar has since taken to social media to express his disappointment, but he is confident of returning to first-team action soon.
A post from Neymar on Instagram read: "The pride and love I feel for wearing the shirt has no explanation. If God gave me the opportunity to choose a country to be born, it would be BRAZIL."
"Nothing in my life was given or easy I always had to chase my dreams and my goals. Never wishing evil on anyone but helping those in need.
"Today has become one of the hardest moments in my career... and again in a World Cup I have an injury yes, it's boring, it's going to hurt but I'm sure I'll have the chance to come back because I will do my best to help my country, my teammates and myself.
"Long time to wait for the enemy to knock me down like this? NEVER! I am a SON OF THE GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE and mine is endless."
Neymar has an unfortunate injury record at the World Cup, having previously missed the 2014 semi-final with a back problem, while he was not fully fit to represent his country at the 2018 tournament in Russia due to a foot injury.
The 122-cap international – who is just two goals behind Pele's all-time record (77) for Brazil – is likely to be replaced by one of Rodrygo, Gabriel Martinelli or Gabriel Jesus for Monday's game against Switzerland, while 39-year-old Dani Alves is set to replace Danilo at right-back.
Meanwhile, Antony and Bruno Guimaraes are both doubtful for Brazil's next match after they missed training due to illness.
Oliver Thomas
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