Neymar ruled out from Brazil's remaining group stage matches with ankle injury

The Brazilian left the pitch in tears with a sprained ankle.

After a fantastic start to the FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign for Brazil where they defeated Serbia by 2-0, Brazil was left to fret over the fitness of Neymar, who was substituted with 11 minutes left to play.

Tite's side will now have to wait 24-48 hours to find out if Neymar will play again at this year's tournament, said team doctors. The Paris Saint-Germain frontman continued playing despite sustaining the knock around the 68th minute. He was also involved in the build-up play of Richarlison’s wonder strike.

But Neymar left the pitch in tears with a visibly swollen ankle. He was at the heart of an electric attack for Brazil as Tottenham striker Richarlison scored twice — including a stunning second — but the Selecao now face a nervous few days as they await more news on the fitness of their star player.

Neymar was treated with ice packs by team trainers on the bench. He was seen limping toward the Brazil locker room after the win. Though coach Tite allayed fears of the attacker missing out on the next game against Switzerland on November 28, the team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar was a little less committal. Tite said. "Neymar will play in the World Cup, you can be sure of that."

"I didnt see he was injured during the game and found out only when I saw it in the video. He tricked me too in a bid to stay on,” Tite told a post-match press conference. When asked whether he had a replacement in mind, the Brazil coach said he still believes Neymar would play again in Qatar.

Tite, in any case, will have to rely on a deep roster. One of Rodrygo Goes, Gabriel Jesus or Antony are likely to make the playing XI. Neymar will definitely miss the second match against Switzerland and will be doubtful for the third group-stage match.