Neymar has been ruled out of the World Cup after Brazil's team doctor
confirmed he suffered a broken vertebra late in Friday's quarterfinal
victory against Colombia.
The star forward was involved in a late collision with Colombia's
Juan Camilo Zuniga in the 88th minute, and will not be available when
Brazil face Germany in the semifinal on Tuesday, or for the final on
July 13, should Brazil advance.
Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said Neymar broke the third vertebra in the lumbar region of his back.
"It is a benign fracture," Lasmar said. "This news is not easy, but he will not be available at this World Cup.
"The fracture does not require surgery. There will be a conservative
treatment; [he] will need physiotherapy and comfort to ease the pain."
Before the extent of the injury was revealed, Luiz Felipe Scolari
said it would be difficult for Neymar to recover in time, simply judging
by the amount of pain the 22-year-old was in.
"We lost Neymar, which probably based, on what I'm seeing, he won't
be able to play," Scolari said. "We knew he would be hunted, so we are
in a difficult situation, but we have good players who can come in. I
think we will have a great game.
"There will be a series of exams because he was kneed on his lower
back and he was crying of pain. We don't have an idea, but I can
guarantee it won't be easy for him to recover, based on what the doctor
told us and the pain he's in. I don't know, I really don't know. I hope
it's OK."
Neymar appeared to take a knee in the back, and as the medical staff
came out to attend to the forward, they decided to stretcher him off the
field.
The forward was swiftly taken down the tunnel while covering his face with his arm.
Zuniga said there was no malice in his challenge on the Brazilian star.
"It was a typical play. I never had the intention of hurting any
player," he said. "On the pitch, I play for my country, and never have
the intention of hurting anybody. I was only defending my country's
jersey.
"The game was hotly contested, and Brazil were coming in strong and
so were we. ... I hope he recuperates soon [and] that it is not serious
as he is a great player for Brazil and for world football."
Brazil players spoke out in support of Neymar, with both Hulk and
Fred saying they will play harder while thinking of their fallen
teammate.
"Neymar is a guy who worked so hard. We saw his dedication in
training. God will heal you ASAP. Neymar, we will work to please you,"
said Fred.
Hulk said Neymar needed more protection from the referees after being repeatedly targeted by opponents.
"Every time is like this, players always come after Neymar, the referees need to do more to keep this from happening,'' he said.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff sent her support to Neymar before
he was ruled out of the tournament, saying "Along with the rest of
Brazil, I'm hoping for the recovery of our greatest player."
