Neymar sidelined for four weeks after Copa America blow

Paris Saint-Germain expect Neymar to recover in four weeks after the Brazil star suffered an ankle injury on international duty.

Neymar was ruled out of the Copa America with a ligament rupture in his right ankle sustained during Wednesday’s 2-0 friendly win over Qatar.

The 27-year-old left the ground in tears as he was carried down the tunnel in the first half before the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the PSG forward’s absence from the Copa America, which gets underway on June 14.

PSG reassessed Neymar and the Ligue 1 champions said he will not require surgery after being diagnosed by the club’s doctors.

Medical update – @neymarjr https://t.co/NSfccxETnK

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 8, 2019

“On Saturday 8 June, Paris Saint-Germain’s first team doctor, Dr Laurent Aumont, and the club’s medical board member and leading figure in sport medicine Professor Gerard Saillant assessed the injury picked up by Neymar Jr in Brazil’s preparation match for the Copa America last Wednesday,” PSG’s statement read.

“The two doctors diagnosed a sprain of the lateral ligament of the right ankle without surgical indication, to be treated with conservative treatment.

“The Paris Saint-Germain striker is expected to return on the field in four weeks’ time.”

Neymar has been replaced by Willian in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming Copa America, which the Selecao will host following Sunday’s friendly against Honduras.

PSG’s Neymar netted 15 Ligue 1 goals and 23 across all competitions for the French champions in 2018-19.