Neymar trip to India canceled? Brazilian star set to miss Mumbai City FC clash due to injury
The anticipated arrival of Brazilian soccer sensation Neymar Jr to India for an AFC Champions League encounter will now be a pipe dream due to an unfortunate injury he sustained during a FIFA World Cup Qualifier play. Neymar, who has a big fan base in India, was expected to draw massive crowds to the DY Patil Stadium for Al Hilal’s match against Mumbai City FC on November 6.
Mumbai City FC had even taken the initiative to secure the larger DY Patil Stadium (having a capacity of 55,000) in Navi Mumbai to accommodate the expected surge of fans for the match.
Reports in the Past
Earlier, Brazil’s medical team had not released details about Neymar’s injury, but team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar indicated that the star player had already undergone initial tests, with more to follow on Wednesday. He stressed the situation, saying: “These 24 hours will be important to see how the knee will respond, how will be the swelling,”
Also Read: Neymar: Early Life, Clubs, Family, Net Worth, Career & Stats
Lasmar further added, “Imaging tests that will define a definitive diagnosis. It’s too early to say [if it’s a ligament injury]. Let’s wait for the exams calmly, evaluate calmly, and as soon as we have a definition we will let you know.”
Neymar did not provide comments to the press in Montevideo, but he posted a message on Instagram, expressing his trust in God and faith in the face of uncertainty about his injury. “All the honor and all the glory will always be yours, my Lord. No matter what, I have faith,” – He said in the post.
Brazil’s captain, Casemiro, acknowledged the severity of Neymar’s departure from the match, expressing hope that it won’t mark the end of his participation. He noted that Neymar has faced such injuries when returning to full speed in the past, making the situation challenging.
“For Neymar to leave the match, it is surely something serious. But I hope it isn’t at the end. He has had those injuries whenever he starts picking up his pace again, it is hard.” – Said Casemiro after the match.
The latest update on the Neymar Jr Situation
Now it has been confirmed that Neymar sustained a significant injury during a FIFA World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Uruguay, where he suffered a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee following a tackle by Uruguay’s Nicolas de la Cruz. This incident led to Neymar being carried off the field on a stretcher.
MRI scans have confirmed the extent of the injury, necessitating surgery and a subsequent period of rehabilitation. While the exact date for Neymar’s surgery has not been finalized, it is nearly impossible that he will be available for the match against Mumbai City FC, which is scheduled for November 6.
Since both teams were placed in Group D, this match generated great anticipation among Indian football fans. As of now, Al-Hilal leads Group D with one win and one draw, while Mumbai City FC is positioned at the bottom of the group with two losses.
The domestic performance of the Mumbai City FC and their showing in the continental competition, the AFC Champions League, have been starkly contrasting. With two defeats already and upcoming matches against Al-Hilal on the horizon, Mumbai City FC’s chances of progressing to the knockout rounds seem bleak.
Even without the potential presence of Neymar, the Saudi Arabian club possesses talents like Ruben Neves, Aleksander Mitrovic, and Malcom in their squad. Indian football fans were eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness one of the world’s finest players in action. They can only hope that Neymar’s injury setback will not sideline him for an extended period.
Neymar’s transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal earlier this year was a momentous move in the world of football. His absence from the forthcoming match is a setback for both Al-Hilal and football enthusiasts who were eagerly awaiting his presence on the field.
Regrettably, the individual who recently surpassed Pele to become Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer won’t be able to make the journey after all.