Blow for Brazil as injury rules Neymar out of Copa America
Brazil's Neymar leaves the pitch injured during a friendly match against Qatar at the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia on June 5, 2019, ahead of Brazil 2019 Copa America. Neymar will not play in the Copa America officials said on June 6, after an ankle injury forced the Brazilian striker from the field as the Selecao beat Qatar 2-0 in a friendly. PHOTO | EVARISTO SA |
What you need to know:
- The Paris St-Germain forward, 27, who was stripped of the Brazilian captaincy in May, limped off after 17 minutes.
- Everton's Richarlison had put the hosts ahead after 16 minutes and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus added a second eight minutes later.
RIO DE JANEIRO
Neymar will miss the 2019 Copa America on home soil after rupturing a ligament in his ankle during Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Qatar in Brasilia.
The Paris St-Germain forward, 27, who was stripped of the Brazilian captaincy in May, limped off after 17 minutes.
Everton's Richarlison had put the hosts ahead after 16 minutes and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus added a second eight minutes later.
The 12-team Copa America tournament starts on Friday, 14 June.
Neymar was taken to hospital for a scan after being helped off the pitch by members of the Brazil support staff, having appeared to twist his ankle.
Brazil coach Tite, who on Monday described the forward as "indispensable" but not "irreplaceable" in the team, initially believed the injury would not be "very serious".
Neymar, who joined PSG from Barcelona for a world record 222m euros in August 2017, missed three months between January and April earlier this year after breaking a metatarsal in his right foot.
He also missed three months following surgery on the same injury in 2018, returning just in time to play in the World Cup.
The hosts are attempting to win South America's continental tournament for the first time since 2007.
