Neymar Ruled Out Of Copa America With Ankle Injury

By Joshua Walters

Neymar has been ruled out of the Copa America with an ankle ligament injury as it has been confirmed by the Brazilian Football Federation. 

Neymar suffered the injury in the first-half of his side’s 2-0 friendly win over Qatar on Wednesday at the Estadio Nacional.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward has endured several injuries dating back 2014 as that made him missed the World Cup semi-final game against Germany. 

Neymar, who was carried to the dressing room with his ankle wrapped in ice was taken to the hospital for a test which confirmed he has suffered ligament damage to the ankle as that rules him out of the Copa America.

The Brazilian Football Federation confirmed that the former Barcelona player would not recover in time for the major South American tournament. 

“After suffering a sprain in his right ankle during last Wednesday’s game against Qatar, Neymar was evaluated and subjected to tests that confirmed ligament rupture in the ankle,” a statement on the Brazilian football federation’s website said. “Due to the seriousness of the injury, Neymar will not have the physical conditions and sufficient recovery time to participate in the Copa América Brasil 2019.” 

In the months leading up to the 2018 World Cup, Neymar injured his metatarsal as he missed the final months of the 2018-19 Ligue 1 season. 

Brazil, as a host country will face Bolivia in their Copa America opener on June 14 in Sao Paulo with the final set to be played on July 7 at the Maracana in Rio. 

Neymar scored 25 goals in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain having recovered from a foot injury.