DOHA (AP) — Neymar has been working “around the clock” to recover from an ankle injury and play for Brazil at the World Cup, team-mate Marquinhos said on Sunday.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker will miss Switzerland on Monday after suffering a ligament injury in his right ankle in a 2-0 win in the first group game against Serbia. Neymar expressed optimism about his recovery in a message on social networks.
RELATED
“He’s in physical therapy and sleeping 24 hours a day,” Marquinhos said. “This shows how much he wants to get back with us. I hope you are together.”
Brazil coach Tite says Neymar and right-back Danilo are also injured and will ‘force’ treatment on Sunday to stay with his team-mates for the final training session before the Switzerland clash. Told. Neymar stayed at the hotel while Danilo received treatment.
Tight said Neymar was in treatment until 5 or 6 in the morning after the game against Serbia.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Neymar said he was “confident” he “has a chance to come back”. In the photo he posted, his ankle still looked terribly swollen.
Marquinhos said the striker was grieving after the injury but his spirits are improving.
“He’s been watching well and I’m confident in his comeback,” the defender said before the Swiss game. “He’s very focused on coming back.”
Tito was optimistic about the chances of his two injured players recovering. Danilo sprained his ankle against Serbia.
“I’m not a doctor, I’m not an expert,” Tight said. “But I believe that Neymar and Danilo will play in the World Cup.
Tite has many options to replace Neymar, but admits it will be difficult to replace him with a talent like him.
“These great talents can show up two or three times and make a difference,” said the strategist. “And that’s what Neymar can do for us.”
Tita did not reveal who will replace Neymar and Danilo in Monday’s starting eleven. Veteran Dani Alves or Eder Militao are included as options to cover the defenders. Attacker Anthony returned to training on Sunday after recovering from a flu photo.
The 30-year-old Neymar is the second Brazilian to score 75 goals, two behind Pele’s record.
At the 2014 World Cup, he had to take a break from concentration during the quarter-final match against Colombia due to a back injury. His right ankle injury kept Verde Amarella out of his 2019-winning Copa his USA.
Brazil, seeking their first World Cup title in 20 years, will face Cameroon on the final day of Group G. A win would see Cameroon advance to the Round of 16 on Monday if they don’t beat Serbia in the other group.
