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Following injuries sustained in the 2-0 victory over Serbia, sources close to the team indicated on Friday that Neymar and Danilo will miss the remainder of their World Cup group matches against Switzerland and Cameroon.
Brazil, which won Group G, will take against Switzerland on Monday. Rodrigo Rasmer, the team doctor, announced that Neymar and full-back Danilo would miss the game and expressed concern about their potential returns.
“An MRI on Friday afternoon revealed that both Neymar and Danilo have ankle ligament problems. He is receiving treatment to fix it, therefore we’re going to look after him.
Neymar made several tackles against Serbia and was forced to be substituted with 10 minutes remaining. A tackle on Nikola Milenkovic finally interrupted his stay on the pitch, leaving him with his head on the sideline. The striker was fouled nine times.
Brazil’s Tite has tested Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao as a full-back in a friendly against Ghana. Another option could be Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, who played at right-back.
Neymar has had problems with his right foot and ankle for several years. He is said to be replaced by Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. But the bigger question concerns Dani Alves, 39, replacing Danilo, the only professional right-back. Alves has been plagued with a knee injury after his last play for Mexico’s UNAM Pumas in September.
Winger his Anthony and midfielder his Lucas Paqueta may miss the game against Switzerland due to illness.