Neymar left in tears as he's carted off with 'serious' injury in Brazil loss

18 October 2023 , 08:09

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Brazil's Neymar is carried off the pitch on a stretcher after being injured (Image: AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Brazil star Neymar was taken off the pitch in tears after a nasty knee injury during his side's defeat against Uruguay in Montevideo.

Brazil suffered their first World Cup qualifying defeat since 2015 in the 2-0 loss to Marcelo Bielsa's men, with Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez on target for the hosts. And Neymar's injury added to the woes of the Selecao.

The Al-Hilal summer signing was visibly upset after a clash with Uruguay's Nicolas de la Cruz left him in severe pain. The severity of the injury became clear when a buggy was called to take the former PSG and Barcelona superstar off the field.

Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said: "These 24 hours will be important to see how the knee will respond. Imaging tests will define a definitive diagnosis. It's too early to say [if it's a ligament injury]. Let's wait for the exams calmly, evaluate calmly, and as soon as we have a definition we will let you [reporters] know."

(Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images)

(Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images)

The 31-year-old left the Estadio Centenario on crutches, with a splint supporting his left leg. The incident marked a terrible end to the international break for Brazil, who had drawn 1-1 at home to Venezuela less than a week ago.

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This situation gave Argentina, the current World Cup holders, the chance they needed to go five points clear in CONMEBOL qualifying. La Albiceleste celebrated four wins from four in their campaign on Tuesday after Lionel Messi scored both goals in their 2-0 victory over Peru.

Brazil caretaker boss Fernando Diniz hasn't had the easiest time, despite victories over Bolivia and Peru in his first two matches. Reds star Nunez scored the first goal in Montevideo just before Neymar was injured, and he also assisted the second goal, adding to Brazil's woes.

Nunez and Uruguay have moved above the Selecao on goal difference and now sit second in the race for one of six automatic qualifying spots.

Neymar, who became arguably the most valuable signing for the Saudi Pro League when he joined Al-Hilal for £86million in August, could now face a significant period on the sidelines.

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Tom Sunderland