Neymar could have his second consecutive club football season ended by a metatarsal injury after a medical source close to the French champions confirmed that the 26-year-old may well require surgery to fix his latest right foot problem.
Neymar hobbled off in tears during the second half of last week’s 2-0 Coupe de France round of 32 win over Strasbourg, and his availability to face Manchester United in the Champions League round of 16 next month has been a hot topic ever since.
According to the source, the former Barcelona man has fractured the same fifth metatarsal in his right foot as last year — albeit in a different location — and that it is almost impossible that he will recover in time for the trip to Old Trafford on Feb. 12.
With Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar now in France at Neymar’s behest and invited by PSG, attention has turned to this summer’s Copa America in the €222 million man’s native Brazil and the final two months of PSG’s season more than the return leg against United at Parc des Princes.
Both the Ligue 1 giants and the Selecao Brasileira are yet to officially comment on the extent of Neymar’s injury, and the source confirmed that the two parties are still debating whether surgery is the only option.
Brazil coach Tite, however, confirmed that Neymar would not be called up half-fit.
“We have touched base with Neymar and visited him. It was a personal call, out of solidarity and very human. Any other information, Edu [Gaspar] and the medical team will pass on. My contact with Neymar was a human one. I know that you are all very interested, but I know when to stay in my place,” Tite said.
“I understand the anxiety, but I do not speak in hypotheticals. I have also expressed my concern to the PSG coach [Thomas Tuchel], who is sad. I am also sad, but supportive too.”
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