World Cup 2022: The curse of Neymar's injury casts a shadow over Brazil

Neymar wanted the Qatar World Cup 2022 to be an opportunity to join the club of the greats of Brazil and lead “Seleção” to its first title since 2002 and the sixth in its history, but the scene of 2014 may be repeated after he was injured again, and this time since the opening match that coach Tite’s men won over Serbia 2 -zero.

The Brazilian national team performed brilliantly in the second half of the first round match of Group G competitions and succeeded in settling the three points thanks to two goals from Richarlison, who was the star of the match, especially with his second goal, which may be the best goal in the current finals, although it is still early from now until Ends on December 18th.

But the Brazilian joy was not complete after the injury of Neymar, who was confirmed to be absent, at least from Monday's match against Switzerland at Stadium 974 in Doha, after suffering a sprained ankle and having to leave the opening match 10 minutes before its end.

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the absence of the Paris Saint-Germain star from the Switzerland match, but the player himself "is confident that I have a chance to return for the remainder of the tournament."

Lasmar said in a video broadcast by the Brazilian Football Confederation that Neymar suffers from a "collateral ligament injury" to the ankle, while defender Danilo, in turn, sprained his ankle.

He added, "The two players will not be available for our next match, but they are continuing their treatment with the aim of regaining their services in time for the rest of the tournament."

But the Brazilian newspaper "Globo Esporte" indicated that Neymar may also miss the last match in the group stage against Cameroon on the second of December, provided that he returns in the final price round if Selecao qualifies.

In turn, Neymar wrote on his Instagram account, "Today, it is one of the worst moments in my career ... and more than that, (that the injury occurs) in the World Cup again."

He continued, "I have an injury, yes, it is frustrating and painful, but I am sure that I have a chance to return because I will do my best to help my country, my colleagues and myself."

On Thursday, Neymar left the Lusail stadium, limping, after contact with Nikola Milenkovic.

Images of a swollen right ankle prompted fears of the worst, despite Selecao's convincing opening victory.

After the press conference after the match, Neymar left, limping slightly, without answering the journalists' questions, and he was wearing huge headphones on his head, accompanied by a member of the technical staff.

"We are confident that Neymar will play again in the World Cup," coach Tite said firmly.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news