Paris Saint-Germain were dealt an unwelcome setback on Tuesday night, 21 November 2018, after Neymar and Kylian Mbappe both left international friendlies injured only days before Liverpool’s Champions League visit.
Neymar was forced off early in Brazil’s match against Cameroon at Stadium:MK in Milton Keynes, with the forward appearing to struggle with pain in his thigh before being replaced in the eighth minute by Everton’s Richarlison. Supporters who had turned up hoping to see him were left disappointed, while Brazil coach Tite did not discuss the injury afterwards. Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said during the game that it was too soon to know the full extent of the problem, adding: “He came off complaining of pain,” and “He felt a discomfort, he will need a bit more time to evaluate it and take a scan, but in principle it is not a serious injury.”
After the match, Neymar tried to calm fears on Instagram, writing: “Thanks for all of the messages wishing me a good recovery. I think it was nothing serious.”
Mbappe also finished the night in discomfort, leaving France’s friendly against Uruguay in Paris after 36 minutes. He was hurt after hurdling goalkeeper Martin Campana and was unable to continue, with Florian Thauvin sent on in his place. The issue appeared to involve his shoulder.
The double injury scare leaves PSG waiting on updates before two important fixtures: Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Saturday and Liverpool a week on Wednesday. Neymar’s PSG team-mate Maxim Choupo-Moting, who was playing for Cameroon, said the situation was worrying but hoped the Brazilian would not be sidelined for long. He said: “It would be worrying because he is a very important player, as all the players (at PSG) are. No player is more important than the team. ‘He’s a great player though and I hope he is not injured for a long time. ‘I think it’s not too too serious. I hope he will be ready next week for us.’”
Brazil staff said it was PSG’s responsibility to confirm the seriousness of Neymar’s injury. On the night, fans at Stadium:MK had held banners asking for his shirt and boots, while children gathered pitchside before kick-off in the hope of getting photos with him.
Mbappe’s injury came at the Stade de France, where France were facing Uruguay. Neymar, meanwhile, limped off before heading down the tunnel and appeared to have trouble putting weight on his right leg.
-Dailymail
