Neymar ruled OUT of Copa America after sustaining ankle injury
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Brazilian superstar Neymar has had another injury setback after sustaining an angle ligament rupture in the international friendly against Qatar.
Neymar was reduced to tears on the sidelines after a tackle inside the first 21 minutes of the game forced him to get substituted and taken down to the dressing room.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed that the Paris Saint-Germain forward will miss the upcoming Copa America finals in a statement.
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“After suffering a sprain in his right ankle during Wednesday’s game against Qatar, Neymar was evaluated and subjected to image tests that confirmed a ligament rupture in the ankle,” the CBF said.
“Due to the seriousness of the injury, Neymar will not have the physical conditions and sufficient recovery time to participate in the Copa America Brazil 2019.”
“As of this Thursday, the technical committee of the Brazilian National Team will begin the process of selecting a replacement.”
Neymar’s 2018-19 season was marred by a foot injury which kept him out of action for a while, but the Brazilian still managed to score 23 goals in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain. His importance for Brazil is unparalleled and he will be a big miss in the Copa America tournament which is due to start next week.
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Prior to the injury, the 27-year old was battling a case which was filed against him for alleged ‘rape’. His participation in the Copa America was already a doubt after CBF vice-president Francisco Noveletto claimed that “he does not have the psychological conditions to face a Copa America and a battalion of journalists”.
Neymar released a video on Instagram vehemently denying the claims by the woman, whose lawyers have subsequently dropped her after finding out certain “lying and contradictory statements” in her complaint.
A recent video of him and the accuser in the hotel room has emerged today which shows the woman assaulting Neymar on the bed.
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Brazil will face Bolivia in their Copa America opener on 14 June at Morumbi, Sao Paulo.