2019 Copa America hosts Brazil have suffered a major blow ahead of the tournament as their talisman Neymar will not play the tournament after suffering an ankle injury in their friendly against Qatar. During the 17th minute of Brazil’s friendly against Qatar, Neymar twisted his ankle and had to be carried off the pitch.
Brazil won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison but they have a major problem now ahead of the Copa America.
Following the match, a statement from the Brazilian Football Federation read, “After suffering a sprain in his right ankle during last Wednesday’s game against Qatar, Neymar was evaluated and subjected to complementary imaging tests that confirmed ligament rupture in the ankle. Due to the seriousness of the injury, Neymar will not have the physical conditions and sufficient recovery time to participate in the Copa América Brasil 2019.
As of this Thursday (06), the technical committee of the Brazilian National Team will begin the definition of a substitute.”
Neymar’s absence surely puts a huge dent in Brazil’s hopes of lifting a 9th Copa America title. Things haven’t been worse for the PSG star as he missed most of the second half of the season due to injury before rape allegations came up, and now missing the Copa America.
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