Brazil announce new plan for injured Neymar ahead Cameroon clash

Australia fans react to reaching World Cup last 16

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Brazil will decide if Neymar can play any further part in the World Cup following their match with Cameroon on Friday. The PSG star injured his ankle in the Selecao’s first match of the tournament against Serbia and is a major doubt for the round of 16 with fears growing that his tournament could be over. 

Neymar is Brazil’s talisman and at 30 years old the tournament in Qatar could be his last chance to make a difference on a global stage. He has already won 122 caps for his nation, scoring 75 goals but the World Cup trophy would be the crowning glory of his international career. 

However, his efforts in the Middle East have been severely hampered by the injury he picked up against Serbia in the 2-0 win. He had struggled to impact the game before being subbed with the issue in the 78th minute and was ruled out for the rest of the group stage as a result. 

Brazil have coped well in his absence qualifying for the knockout round with a game to spare while a point against Cameroon in the final group game would be enough to secure top spot. The Selecao will give Neymar and fellow injured stars Danilo and Alex Sandro until after the match before deciding on their participation in the rest of the tournament.

“They are progressing,” Brazil assistant coach Cléber Xavier said Thursday. “We are focused on the game against Cameroon, and then we will start the decision-making process about these players. We already have a plan prepared for their return.”

Neymar was initially diagnosed with a slight sprain by Brazil medics but recent reports have suggested that it could be worse than originally feared with the forward believed to have suffered ligament damage. 

He is currently not yet doing any serious weight baring exercises but is receiving around-the-clock treatment with most of his work in rehabilitation and conditioning in the pool. He is a serious doubt for the last-16 match with the quarters potentially now his first chance of getting back out onto the pitch. 

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Some rival supporters celebrated Neymar’s injury given his importance for Brazil, with Casemiro hitting out at them after he scored the South American’s winner in the 1-0 success over Switzerland. 

“It’s a shame that people wish others harm,” he said. “I think education comes from the cradle.

“Personally, I’m sad because Neymar doesn’t deserve this. He’s a person who helps others so much. We have quality players, but if we compare him with Neymar, it is difficult to find someone of his level. The range of options is very wide, which is good for us, but we have to be realistic and accept that Neymar is the star of the team.”

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