KEY POINTS

  • Neymar's first World Cup was in 2014
  • He has been in fine form this season with 15 goals and 12 assists for PSG
  • Brazil's next game in World Cup 2022 is against Switzerland

Brazil national team's head coach Tite is concerned about the number of fouls on his star forward Neymar. He says it "has to be stopped."

Neymar suffered an ankle injury during Brazil's opening game in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar. While Richarlison's brace helped Brazil beat Serbia 2-0, Neymar was ruled out of the remaining two Group G games of Brazil.

The Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) forward appeared to be in tears after he sprained his ankle following a poor tackle from Serbia defender Nikola Milenkovic. Neymar had a swollen ankle as he was forced off the field. A medical evaluation showed Neymar sustained a lateral ligament injury to his right ankle.

"If you want to celebrate football, you have to pay attention to the fouls. They focus on specific players. This is the effect. This has to be stopped," Brazil boss Tite said in an interview.

Neymar was fouled nine times against Serbia, more than any other player in their opening match in Qatar. Since his first World Cup appearance in 2014, Neymar has been fouled 53 times in the prestigious tournament, at least 11 more than any other player.

While Neymar will not play in Brazil's remaining two group games, which are against Switzerland and Cameroon, head coach Tite said he was confident the PSG star would feature again in the ongoing tournament. Apart from Neymar, Brazil's right-back Danilo also picked up an ankle injury in the game.

"I believe Neymar and [injured defender] Danilo will play in the World Cup. I'm not in a position to speak about [medical information]. I can say that, not only about Neymar, but also about Danilo, both of their situations have evolved, but we believe both will be available to play at the World Cup," added Tite.

Neymar could miss the rest of the group stage with the ankle injury he picked up in the win over Serbia
AFP

Neymar would not want a repeat of the 2014 World Cup, where a back injury at the beginning of the tournament had ruled him out. The South American forward has been in excellent form this season for PSG and would want to replicate the same success at the World Cup. Brazil has not won the World Cup since 2002.

PSG are yet to lose a match, across all competitions, and one of the vital reasons behind their dominance is the fine forms of their front three. Neymar has been involved in 27 goals in the 2022-23 campaign (15 goals and 12 assists), while Kylian Mbappe has scored 19 goals and Lionel Messi 12.

Brazil will face off against Switzerland in their Group G fixture Monday.

Soccer