KEY POINTS

  • Brazil defeated Serbia 2-0 in their World Cup opener
  • Richarlison scored both goals for Brazil
  • Neymar picked up the injury in the second half

Brazil's medical team is assessing Neymar's injury after the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star suffered a sprain during his side's opening game at the World Cup on Thursday.

Neymar could not play for the full 90 minutes as Brazil started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Serbia on Thursday, thanks to Richarlison's brace. After a poor tackle from Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic in the second half, the PSG star went down immediately. As he was receiving an on-field treatment, his ankle appeared to be swollen. Soon after this, Neymar limped off the field and was replaced by Manchester United forward Antony.

After the game, Brazil's team doctor confirmed Neymar had sprained his ankle and that they need 24 to 48 hours to assess the extent of the damage, reported Goal.com.

"Tomorrow [Friday] we will have a new assessment. Now we need to wait, we cannot make premature comments," said Brazil's team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

Meanwhile, Brazil head coach Tite was confident Neymar would not be ruled out of the Qatar World Cup.

"We are confident Neymar will continue playing in the World Cup. I didn't see Neymar was injured - the capacity he has to overcome it tricked even me," Tite said after Brazil's win Thursday.

Neymar's absence will be a massive blow for the five-time champions, who have not won the coveted World Cup trophy since 2002. Brazil would certainly want to capitalize on Neymar's great form at PSG. Neymar entered the World Cup on the back of scoring 15 goals and 12 assists in 20 appearances for the Ligue 1 side in all competitions.

Neymar is aiming to help Brazil win their first World Cup since 2002
AFP

The latest injury has brought back memories of Brazil's worst nightmare from the 2014 World Cup – Neymar suffered a horrific back fracture and was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament in 2014. Neymar was on the sidelines when Germany humiliated them 7-1 in the semi-final.

Brazil's next Group G game in the ongoing Qatar World Cup is on Nov. 28 against Switzerland.