Rodrigo Lasmar claimed that Brazil’s forward Rodrigo Lasmar will not be able recover in time to face Cameroon on Friday in the Group G match.
Neymar did not attend Monday’s game against Switzerland. Brazil won the match 1-0 to ensure its spot in Round 16. Brazil will win the group by drawing against Cameroon.
Lasmar did no give a timetable for Neymar’s return or if the player would be returning at all. Brazil’s coaching team, however, stated Tuesday that Neymar would be playing again at the tournament.
Neymar was the only player to not go to Stadium 974 because he had injured ligaments in his ankle playing against Serbia. He was treated at the team hotel.
Lasmar claimed that Neymar also had a fever Monday which was “under control” and would not affect his ankle treatment.
Lasmar announced that Danilo was also injured in the ankle and left back Alex Sandro. Sandro had to withdraw from Monday’s match because of a muscle injury.
Danilo sustained an injury in the team opener last week, and he also missed the game against Switzerland. Alex Sandro, who was hurt in Brazil’s win over the Swiss in the closing minutes, was replaced by Alex Telles. Tests on Tuesday revealed that he sustained a muscle injury to his left hip. Lasmar didn’t provide the expected recovery times for Alex Sandro or Danilo Sandro.
Tite was the replacement for Neymar, Fred and Danilo. Eder Militao was also included in Monday’s lineup. The coach did not announce the players for Friday but expected to rotate players, as a draw against Cameroon would have been enough to secure first position. If Brazil finishes first in the tournament, the final-16 match will be held three days later. Brazil’s opponents would be from Group H which includes South Korea, Uruguay, Ghana, and Ghana.
Neymar, who is trying to win his maiden major title with Brazil with Brazil, is only two goals shy Pele’s all time record of 77 with Brazil.
Also, his right ankle prevented him from playing in Brazil’s 2019 Copa America. After injuring his back against Colombia in the quarterfinals, he was unable to play in Brazil’s World Cup.
Brazil complained on Tuesday about Stadium 974’s conditions. It could be back for round of 16 if the team finishes first in their group. The team promised to ask FIFA for help in improving the grass conditions at the venue.