“Nobody Tells the Truth”
The swollen ankle, the tears on the bench and a philosophical post on Instagram. How damaged are Neymar’s ligaments?
The national team, a sanctuary. The Brazilians could train behind closed doors on Saturday night in Doha, with only Casemiro speaking later. However, a hundred journalists soon gather in front of the stadium. ESPN Brazil is going live with five reporters lined up. They report with appropriate enthusiasm on what is happening in the football realm. Unfortunately the cat, who has curled up on the warm floor next to the camera, is not seen in the house.
The big problem for the Brazilians: Neymar, of course. The striker suffered ten fouls from the Swiss four years ago, a record at the 2018 World Cup. On Thursday against Serbia, Neymar’s ninth tackle ended his working day. He had to leave the lawn injured and shortly after he cried on the bench. Since then, the media has wondered how bad things are for him.
Manager Tite said immediately after the match: “I am absolutely sure that Neymar will continue to play in this World Cup.” The only question is when? According to the Brazilian team doctor, the 30-year-old striker will most certainly miss out against Switzerland with an ankle ligament injury. Neymar doesn’t exactly clarify even with a rumor on Instagram. He writes that he believes in a return, after all he is the “son of the god of the impossible”.
Cosme Alberto Queiroz Rimoli is a little nervous. He is doing his eighth World Cup with the Brazilians as a football reporter for the media company “Record” and says: “Nobody tells the truth”.
Will 39-year-old Dani Alves defend against Switzerland?
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, 21, is expected to replace Neymar against Switzerland. The Brazilians have a second gap to fill at right-back, where Danilo is also out with an ankle ligament injury.
Finding a replacement for this position is not as easy as in the outstanding offensive. There is only one trained right-back in the team: Dani Alves. However, faith in the three-time Champions League winner with Barcelona is no longer limitless. He is 39 years old, is now under contract in Mexico and hasn’t played for two months due to a knee injury. Real’s trained centre-back Militao would be an alternative.
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