Brazil began their 2022 World Cup with a bang. The top-ranked team at the tournament beat Serbia 2-0 on Thursday. Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison scored both goals on the day for the Brazilians. However, there was some bad news that came out of the match as well.

Superstar Neymar had to be substituted late in the World Cup game against Serbia because of an ankle injury. The PSG player was seen in tears as he sat on the bench in the final minutes of the match. Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has confirmed that scans took place and that their star will be ruled out of the next two games.

Scans reveal ligament damage

“The scans showed a lateral ligament injury on Neymar’s right ankle, along with a small bone edema,” explained Lasmar.

Along with Neymar, Danilo was also injured in the match as well. Although, the defender was able to complete the game on the pitch. Nevertheless, both players are now ruled out of the remaining two group stage games.

“Players are still in treatment,” continued Lasmar. “It is very important to be very calm, peaceful. This assessment will be carried out daily so that we have information and make the best decisions based on it.”

“We can already say that we will not have the two players for the next game, but they remain in treatment with our objective of trying to recover in time for this competition.”

Neymar injury puts question over tough World Cup games

Brazil next face Switzerland on Monday, November 28th. The two teams are currently level on three points atop Group G of the World Cup. Switzerland previously beat Cameroon in their opening game of the tournament. Brazil finish off their group stage with a match against Cameroon on Friday, December 2nd.

Although the Brazilians will have to win without Neymar in these two games, fans will be crossing their fingers that the superstar can be fit for the knockout phase of the tournament.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Ulmer/Teamfoto

Guide to World Cup 2022

Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
TV Schedule: All the info on where and when to watch every game
The Groups: We breakdown each group and all the teams
The Kits: Check out what every team will be wearing on the field this fall
Predictor: Play out every scenario with our World Cup Predictor
World Cup Bracket: Map out the entire tournament, from the groups to the final