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Is Neymar injured? Know reason why Brazil star is not playing against Norway in the World Cup
Brazil are locking horns with Norway in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Brazil are set to face Norway in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Yet, one topic that has continued to dominate discussions among football fans and Brazilian supporters throughout the tournament is Neymar's role in the squad.
Neymar starts on bench vs Norway
Once again, the 34-year-old has not been named in the starting lineup and will begin the match on the bench against Erling Haaland and company.
The decision comes despite Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti previously hinting that Neymar could feature alongside Vinicius Junior for the entire match.
“Neymar can play 90 minutes and he can play with Vinicius Jr. I think they will play together,” he had said.
Those comments had raised expectations among supporters that ‘The Prince’ would make his first start of the tournament. Instead, Neymar will once again have to wait for his opportunity from the sidelines.
Is Neymar injured?
However, his place on the bench suggests the decision is likely tactical rather than being related to any injury or fitness concern.
If required, Neymar is expected to be introduced later in the second half, where his experience and creativity could provide Brazil with a crucial spark when it matters most.
Injuries haunt Neymar's dream
Neymar's World Cup career has been marked by a series of setbacks, with injuries repeatedly disrupting his quest to win football's biggest prize.
His first World Cup appearance, on home soil in 2014, ended in agony after a serious back injury in the quarterfinals ruled him out for the rest of the tournament.
Persistent ankle injuries then hampered him at both the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar. Despite those setbacks, Neymar continued to rewrite history, surpassing Pelé to become Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals.
Brazil also fell short of World Cup glory in both 2018 and 2022, despite entering each tournament as one of the favorites.
The Seleção did capture the 2019 Copa América title on home soil, but Neymar was once again left watching from the sidelines after an injury ruled him out before the competition began.
