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Brazil won its opening match at the World Cup against Serbia thanks to a couple of goals by Richarlison, but most of the time after the match was spent discussing Neymar, and his injury which was the reason he had to be taken off the game in the latter stage.
He was the player who had been fouled the most in all of the first-round matches in the Qatar tournament, it was nine times that Serbia players stopped the play because they fouled a 30-year-old PSG forward. Eventually, he had to be replaced, and after the game, there were pictures of his severely swollen ankle that caused a lot of concern among Brazil fans.
Neymar will miss the last two matches that Brazil will play in the group stage, the first one on Monday against Switzerland, and then again on Friday versus Cameroon.
Manchester United player Casemiro was asked about the situation with Neymar, and what he means to the Brazil squad.
“Neymar is one of the best players out there, there aren’t many like him, and unfortunately for us, he won’t be on the field against Switzerland.”
Casemiro was honest about the rest of the team when it comes to the quality they possess compared to Neymar.
“We have quality players throughout our squad, but compared to Neymar and his talent, it is difficult to find a single one who is at that high of a level. We do have other players who are performing very well at the moment like Vinicius, Richarlison, Rodrygo, we certainly have different options which is good, but we all know that Neymar is our best player and he is impossible to replace.”
Richarlison, who scored a stunning scissors kick in a 2-0 win against Serbia, will have to take even more responsibility to make sure that goals keep coming. Real Madrid forward Vinicius will also have an additional role to fill, and will most likely get more opportunities to score.
Neymar’s history of injuries
Neymar often takes criticism for the overdramatization of fouls, but it is also true that he is one of the players that gets fouled the most whenever there is a big competition or important games whether for PSG or Brazil national team.
In 2014 when Brazil hosted the World Cup, he suffered a fractured vertebra which again brought disappointing results for his country.
“Nothing I achieved in my life came easy, I had to work hard for everything I earned, fighting for my dreams and goals. I have never wished anyone to get hurt and instead tried to help whenever I could. Right now, I am injured, and I don’t feel good, but I will work hard to come back as soon as possible to help my teammates, my country, and myself.”
Brazil won’t be the only one who will be waiting to hear the news about Neymar’s injury. PSG are also looking closely to see what is happening with one of their most valuable players. The French team needs Neymar at his best, and they will be hoping he gets fit to come back on the field in a short time.
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