Neymar Limps Off With Ankle Injury After Being Fouled Nine Times During Brazil's World Cup Win Over Serbia
Neymar was seen grimacing as he checked on the condition of his right ankle after limping off during Brazil's 2-0 win over Serbia.
The 30-year-old had been substituted in the 79th minute of the World Cup Group G game after being fouled nine times.
It seemed as though Serbia's players had targeted Neymar for special treatment as the other 15 players used by Brazil coach Tite were only fouled three times between them.
Three of the fouls on Neymar resulted in Iranian referee Alireza Faghani producing his yellow card. Sasa Lukic, Nemanja Gudelj and Strahinja Pavlovic all ended the game having been booked.
But the challenge that caused the most damage was seemingly one made by Nikola Milenkovic.
Neymar pictured applying pressure to his right ankle after being substituted off during Brazil's 2-0 win over Serbia
IMAGO/Sportimage/David Klein
Brazil fans will be desperately hoping that Neymar is not seriously injured.
Neymar famously suffered a back fracture at the 2014 World Cup and Brazil lost their next game without him 7-1 to Germany in the semi-finals.
Brazil's next game in Qatar will be on Monday against Switzerland, who started their Group G campaign with a 1-0 win over Cameroon.
It is unclear whether Neymar will be available to face Switzerland but Tite sounded more than optimistic when speaking after his side's win over Serbia.
Tite said: "Don't worry, Neymar will play in the World Cup. He will keep playing, you can be sure about that."
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar gave a more balanced response. Lasmar confirmed that Neymar had a "direct trauma" on his right ankle and added: "We started immediate treatment on the bench.
"He continues with the physio, but now we need to wait 24-48 hours for a better assessment. He felt this pain throughout the game, but chose to stay on the pitch to help his team after his injury. It's remarkable that he did this."
