Brazil fans may want to look away. After being held out of practice on Monday, the latest Neymar injury update saw the world’s most expensive player limp off after just 15 minutes of practice on Tuesday.
After being given a day off, Neymar was spotted limping out of Brazil training. pic.twitter.com/seqAqCGBUG
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 19, 2018
Neymar was fouled an absurd 10 times in Brazil’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Sunday. The physical play took its toll; Neymar didn’t practice on Monday to heal up.
Four years ago, Neymar was injured for Brazil’s 7-1 loss to Germany in the World Cup semifinals, so Brazilian fans are understandably worried about the status of their star player.
Fortunately, Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lesmar gave a positive Neymar injury update.
"What we can do is to calm down," Lasmar said. "A shorter workout was planned for the starters today; they're still in a regenerative process. Neymar trained a little, felt the pain, returned to physical therapy and tomorrow trains normally."
Neymar will hope to train as normal on Wednesday as the team prepares to play Costa Rica on Friday. It would surprise no one if Costa Rica emulates Switzerland’s physical tactics, so Neymar will want to be fully healthy for that match.
Brazil manager Tite could choose to rest his star, thinking he has enough creativity and flair without him — or at least enough to get past Costa Rica.
Currently, Brazil is tied for second in Group C with Switzerland, behind Serbia and ahead of Costa Rica.