Brazil manager Tite has calmed fears over the ankle injury suffered by Neymar during the Selecao’s 2-0 victory over Serbia at the World Cup on Thursday night.
A visibly distraught Neymar was seen with ice strapped to his ankle on the bench after numerous fouls from the Serbia defence left his foot swollen, sparking obvious fears about the Paris Saint-Germain star’s availability for the remainder of the tournament.
However, Tite did his best to alleviate concerns, insisting Neymar’s time at the World Cup is not over.
“You can be sure that Neymar will play again in the World Cup, I am absolutely sure of that. He’s going to play in the World Cup,” the Brazil boss said after the game.
“On Neymar, I want to make a technical and tactical observation. He was feeling his ankle for both goals but stayed on because the team needed him. The goals, one of which he played a decisive role in, overcame the pain which was present.”
Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar offered a more medical explanation of Neymar’s injury and admitted there were no plays to send the star forward for any further scans.
“Neymar had a sprain in his right ankle, a direct trauma when his opponent’s knee made a movement causing the sprain,” he explained. “He had a little swelling in his ankle, we started the treatment with ice on the bench and he has now followed the physiotherapy treatment.
“There is no scheduled imaging exam. If there is a need, we will. But that will be decided by the measure of his evaluation tomorrow. The expectation is observation. Anything we talk about evolution, his sequel, is premature. We do not have any answers, it is important to wait.”
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