FIFA World Cup: Brazil's Neymar, Danilo ruled out of remaining group matches
The two players sustained injuries during the opener against Serbia on Thursday
DOHA: Neymar Jr and Danilo have been ruled out of Brazil's remaining group stage fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2022 against Switzerland and Cameroon after sustaining injuries in Thursday's opening 2-0 victory over Serbia, the team's doctor confirmed on Friday.
Brazil registered their opening win against Serbia by 2-0 at the Lusail Stadium on Thursday, with both goals scored by Richarlison.
With 10 minutes remaining in the match against Serbia, Neymar was taken off following several harsh tackles throughout the contest. His time on the field was finally cut short by a challenge from Nikola Milenkovic, leaving him on the sidelines with his head in his hands.
Meanwhile, right-back Danilo also sustained an ankle injury.
"Neymar and Danilo went through an MRI on Friday afternoon and we found ligament damage in the ankle of both of them," he told reporters.
"They will miss the next game for sure and we will be cautious as they will undergo treatment to try to get them in shape so they can play again in the World Cup."
Tite, the head coach of Brazil, stated after their victory over Serbia that they were "confident Neymar will continue playing at the World Cup" and that he "didn't see he was injured - the capacity he has to overcome it tricked even me."
Over the previous few years, the forward has experienced numerous right foot injuries.
After experiencing torn ligaments in his right ankle, he missed the 2019 Copa America and missed several weeks of action in 2021 due to a similar injury.
He received more fouls than any other player at the World Cup so far — nine— during the game.
On Monday, Brazil will play Switzerland, and on Friday, Cameroon will be the final opponent in their group.
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