The nightmarish conclusion of Brazil’s international break unfolded as Neymar, overwhelmed with emotions, was carried off the field on Tuesday.

The distressing incident took place during a match against Uruguay in Montevideo when the Al-Hilal summer signing appeared to sustain a severe knee injury.

Adding to the woes, Brazil suffered their first World Cup qualifying defeat since 2015, with Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez contributing with a goal and an assist in Uruguay’s 2-0 victory.

The distressing scene unfolded after Neymar collided with Uruguay’s Nicolas de la Cruz, resulting in screams of pain from the Brazilian star. The severity of the injury became evident as a medical buggy was summoned to transport Neymar off the field.

Brazil’s team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, commented, “These 24 hours will be important to see how the knee will respond, how will be the swelling,” said Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar. “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.”

The 31-year-old was seen leaving the Estadio Centenario with crutches and a splint supporting his left leg, marking a grim conclusion to the international break.

Just a week ago, Brazil had only managed a 1-1 draw against Venezuela, and this unfortunate incident allowed World Cup titleholders and arch-rivals Argentina to widen their lead by five points in the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign.

Argentina secured their fourth consecutive victory with a 2-0 win over Peru, led by Lionel Messi, who scored both goals.

Caretaker manager Fernando Diniz faced significant challenges despite victories against Bolivia and Peru in his first two matches. Nunez, a star for Liverpool, scored a crucial goal in Montevideo shortly before Neymar’s injury and also played a pivotal role in setting up the second goal, further compounding Brazil’s misery.

Neymar, who became one of the most valuable signings for the Saudi Pro League with his £86 million move to Al-Hilal in August, may now face a substantial setback if his recovery period is prolonged.

Additionally, Brazil’s chances of surpassing Argentina in World Cup qualifying may be in jeopardy, with the latter currently holding a comfortable lead in the CONMEBOL rankings.

Furthermore, Nunez and Uruguay have overtaken Brazil on goal difference and now sit in second place in the quest for one of the six automatic qualifying berths.

Neymar stretchered off in tears after an injury nearing halftime of Uruguay-Brazil.

This was the play that took Neymar out.

He was later seen hobbling to the locker room helped by someone. pic.twitter.com/iHmSHR4gUb

— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) October 18, 2023

Neymar leaving the stadium.

Even after such a horrible injury, he still makes time for a young fan. pic.twitter.com/xZ5sCurrhQ

— Neymoleque | Fan 🇧🇷 (@Neymoleque) October 18, 2023

Neymar

This season he played in total 3 times for 206 minutes for Pro League.

Neymar didn’t score any goal for Al Hilal. He procured twice assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in Pro League. In the last match Al Hilal won 3-0 against Al Akhdoud. The next match in Pro League will be against Al Khaleej.

Al Hilal performance and stats

Al Hilal is currently 1st in the Pro League with 23 points.

In the last 9 games, it has won 7 times and drawn twice. In its last match, Al Hilal won 0-3 against Al Akhdoud.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 26 goals and conceding 7.​

Al Hilal will play the next match in Pro League against Al Khaleej on Friday 20th of October in Riyadh. The prediction is Al Hilal winning the match.​

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

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