Everything you need to know about Neymar's injury
Brazil’s World Cup hopes received a blow when star player Neymar fractured his vertebra in Brazil’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia last Friday. The 22-year-old was consequently ruled out of the World Cup after taking a knee to the back from Colombian player Juan Camilo Zúñiga.
On Saturday, the injured superstar spoke for the first time about the incident in an emotional video message. While admitting his devastation over being ruled out of the tournament, Neymar seemed in good spirits, claiming his World Cup dream is still alive, and insisting Brazil can win the World Cup in his absence.
As Brazil is still mourning the loss of the nation's greatest footballing promise, we take a look at the latest updates on his condition.
'Drastic measures’
Reports in the Brazilian media have suggested Neymar is "considering drastic measures to play in final".
According to an article on Globoesporte, the Brazilian poster boy is considering taking an injection in his back to make an unexpected return in the World Cup final, should Brazil win against Germany on Tuesday.
Another leading Brazilian newspaper, Folha de Sao Paulo, reported Neymar has been telling friends and family that the initial pain has decreased, and that he might be able to recover in time to play in the Maracanã next Sunday.
[Related: Neymar in emotional reunion with his teammates ]
Even if these rumours are true, other reports suggest the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) will not support such initiatives.
In response to Globoesporte’s report, the Seleção doctor José Luiz Runco told ESPN.com.br: "[There is] no chance of him playing the final of the World Cup. He can be with the group, yes, but no chance on the field. No way.”
Neymar’s manager Eduardo Musa was also quoted as saying: “The official version is that nobody is thinking about it [injections] now.”
Neymar: ‘I can’t feel my legs’
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari shed some light on what happened that night. Speaking to Marca, he said the Brazilian striker told his teammate Marcelo he couldn’t feel his legs as he lay in agony on the pitch, in fear he was paralysed after the flying challenge with Zúñiga.
“Marcelo was scared and called the doctor on but the doctor couldn’t get on in the confusion,” Scolari said, adding that “it was a big shock, the image of Neymar being stretchered off to the helicopter, in difficulty, crying.”
The Brazilian players and crew, however, were not the only ones touched by the incident.
Colombia’s Camilo Zúñiga made a public announcement accepting blame and apologising to Neymar.
He explained that while he felt the "situation was normal in a game, there was no ill intent, malice or negligence" from his part, and that he "deeply regret[ted] the unfortunate injury Neymar suffered during the game.”
After wishing Neymar a "speedy recovery’" Zúñiga also sent a special message to all Brazilian fans on Twitter.
To all the Brazilian fans, who now see one of their players--an exemplary human being--out of the World Cup, I send you a special message and all the support from the Colombian national team in your upcoming matches.
Meanwhile, FIFA have announced that they will be taking no action against Zúñiga over the challenge that left Neymar's World Cup dream in tatters.
Injuries like Neymar’s usually require a recuperation period of 40-45 days, but the Brazilian striker is expected to make a full recovery.
Brazil is set to face Germany in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte. In addition to being without Neymar, the host nation won’t be able to count on captain Thiago Silva, who has been suspended for yellow card accumulation.
