The sight of Neymar hobbling off the field is causing great angst in Barcelona, Brazil and beyond.
The FC Barcelona and Brazil star suffered a right-ankle injury in the first half of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) game against Getafe on Thursday. Barcelona is calling it a sprain, and it’s unclear how long he will be out of action.
[tweet https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/statuses/423938209660153856 align=’center’]
Neymar was trying to make a pass from the byline when he planted his foot and fell awkwardly. After laying on the field in pain for a few minutes, he attempted to walk, but his injured ankle was unable to bear his weight. Barcelona trainers helped Neymar off the field, and he went straight into the visitor’s dressing room at Getafe’s Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Barcelona will likely give an update about Neymar’s condition on Friday, which will cause many fans to have at least one sleepless night.
Neymar has performed impressively in recent months, and his attacking play helped Barcelona endure the period Lionel Messi missed due to injury. While Barcelona hopes Neymar recovers as quickly as possible, neutrals should hope he returns by Feb. 18 — the date Barcelona meets Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 series.
Neymar also shoulders great expectations internationally. As Brazil’s star attacking player, he is expected to fire his country to glory at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Brazil. This injury shouldn’t threaten Neymar’s chances of participating in this summer’s tournament, but a prolonged absence could potentially have negative effects on his form and confidence.
Watch Neymar suffer the ankle injury in the video below.
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