Brazil star Neymar has fractured a vertebra and is out for four to six weeks, ending his World Cup.
The striker was taken to a private clinic for x-rays after he was stretchered off in agony during the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia.
Brazil star Neymar has fractured a vertebra and is out for four to six weeks, ending his World Cup.
The striker was taken to a private clinic for x-rays after he was stretchered off in agony during the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia.
He was kneed in the back by Juan Camilo Zuniga and was crying in pain, seen attached to a drip on his way to the hospital.
The diagnosis is of a fractured third lumbar vertebra, which means a month on the sidelines.
This ends his World Cup, having scored five goals in six games for the Seleçao.
“It is a fracture that will take a few weeks to recover from,” explained Selecao doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.
“It is the third lumbar vertebra. We’ll have to wait and see how long the recovery process is, but first we must wait for the results of the tests and then see what happens.”
Neymar was accompanied to the Sao Carlos clinic by Brazil medic Jose Luiz Runco.
“If he really is out, it’s a day of great sadness,” said teammate Julio Cesar.
“We know how much Ney wanted to shine in this World Cup and how much joy he brings to the Brazilian people. He’s a lovely kid.”
Brazil will be without captain Thiago Silva for the semi-final against Germany on Tuesday, as he is suspended.