Insider

Neymar, Danilo ruled out of Brazil’s group stage with ankle injuries

world cup Neymar, Danilo ruled out
Neymar hurt his ankle in Brazil’s opener against Serbia. Photo: Lucas Figueiredo/CBF

After defeating Serbia 2-0 in their opening World Cup match on Thursday, the Brazilian national team were given some less-than-ideal news this morning, when it was confirmed that star forward Neymar and first-choice right-back Danilo would miss at least the team’s next two matches.

Neymar limped off the pitch in the second half against Serbia and was shown with his right ankle on ice in the dugout. National team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed that the PSG player had suffered a ligament injury, which will keep him out of Brazil’s matches against Switzerland on Monday, and Cameroon on Friday.

In the case of Danilo, he picked up an ankle injury of his own at the very end of the Serbia match. He is expected to be replaced by either 39-year-old Daniel Alves, or Real Madrid’s center-back Eder Militão, who has past experience playing at right-back.

Brazil go into their match against Switzerland on Monday knowing that they will qualify for the last 16 with a victory. They defeated Serbia yesterday, thanks to two goals from Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison.