A return of Brazil’s superstar Neymar for the World Cup round of 16 in Qatar is still open. “We still have 72 hours, we still have a chance. Let’s wait and see,” said team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar late on Friday evening after the 1-0 defeat in the final group game against Cameroon.
“They haven’t started the ball yet. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow,” he said, referring to left-back Alex Sandro, who was also injured. The Brazilians start the knockout stages of the tournament against South Korea on Monday (20:00 CEST).
Until then, they are threatened with further absences because second left-back Alex Telles and attacker Gabriel Jesus were injured against Cameroon. Both complained of knee pain. Neymar, on the other hand, injured his ankle in the opening game against Serbia (2-0) and has been out ever since.