Neymar’s Foot Injury Could See Him Sidelined for at Least Six Weeks

The world’s most expensive player Neymar is to miss out from action for at least the following six weeks, following a sustained injury during PSG’s 3-0 victory over Marseille last Sunday. According to online sportsbook news, the skilful forward has suffered a fractured metatarsal and a sprained ankle that was brought onto him by a collision with opposing attacker Bouna Sarr in the 77th minute of the match.

The Brazilian may require an operation for his injury

Neymar’s father – Neymar senior – stressed his son may have to undergo a special procedure, although at this stage it is not clear whether he will actually need one.

“PSG know that they will not be able to count on Neymar for the upcoming matches: his treatment will last six to eight weeks, whether there is an operation or not,” said Neymar senior, speaking to ESPN Brazil.

And the biggest problem with the injury is not that he’ll miss nearly 2 months on the sidelines, but rather the timing – it’s right before the World Cup in Russia. The Brazil international likely won’t feature in any games until the end of April or early May, and even then once he again starts to play he might still struggle with form, considering his expected nearly 2-month absence. So his fitness level and readiness for the World Cup are justifiable.

(source: RCuerda29 @ FLICKR)

Neymar’s transition from La Liga to Ligue 1 has been nothing short of phenomenal, having scored 19 goals in 20 league appearances, while his overall tally until this stage stands at 28 goals in 30 games. If he weren’t hit with the current injury setback, the Brazilian could have probably gone on to bag over 40 goals across all competitions this campaign, but now that remains quite doubtful.

PSG’s European ambitions have been dashed with Neymar’s absence

More importantly, Neymar’s absence will be a huge blow for the Parisiens in the coming weeks; they’ve practically secured the Ligue 1 title having collected 71 points so far, but the main reason PSG went all out last summer to break the world-record for Neymar was to help them win the Champions League. Despite having lost the first leg of the round of 16 to Real Madrid (3-1) at the Bernabeu, PSG were hopeful of a positive result at Parc des Princes in the return leg on March 6 that could see them continue their quest for European domination.

“After analysing Neymar, it looks less likely than it did on Sunday that he’ll be ready for this match,” said PSG manager Unai Emery. “Neymar is the first to want to play every match, he’s very focused on Real. I think there’s a small chance that he’ll be ready for the match.”

But with the 26-year-old Brazilian out of the picture for this clash, there are serious doubts whether PSG can overcome the 3-1 deficit they suffered a fortnight ago, although they still command a potent attack that includes the likes of Cavani, Mbappe Di Maria and others. Providers of internet betting in France are giving PSG favourite odds 2.00 (1/1), while a victory for Real Madrid seems unlikely 3.29 (16/7). A draw between the two on the other hand stands at 4.00 (3/1) – an event that’s we see as the most likely outcome for this match.

(Check out our Bet365 Sportsbook review for more info about the online betting site.)