Brazil’s star forward Neymar Jr will not be in the team as the five-time World Cup champion takes on Switzerland at Stadium 974 on Monday for their second group-stage match. The 30-year-old took a knock during the match against Serbia and walked off the field with a swollen ankle. Brazil’s team doctors confirmed that he will miss the match against the Swiss. 

Neymar later shared pictures of his injured ankle in an Instagram story saying that he was going through “one of the most difficult moments” in his footballing career. However, the PSG-star added that he is optimistic about returning later in the tournament. 

Also read: Brazil vs Switzerland: Head-to-head, stats, predicted lineups

“I’m injured, yes, and it’s a pain, and it will hurt,” he wrote on the Instagram story.

“But I’m sure that I’ll have the chance to return, because I’ll do anything possible to help my country, my teammates and myself.”

“Nothing in my life was easy or given to me,” Neymar added. “I’ve had always had to go after my dreams and my objectives.”

Brazil’s coach Tite will most likely bring on Manchester United midfielder Fred to replace Neymar. Fred had come on to replace him when he walked off injured against Serbia and will probably keep his place after the smooth 2-0 win. 

Speaking to journalists before the match, Brazil’s captain and Neymar’s teammate at Paris Saint Germain (PSG) Marquinhos said that the forward is working “24 hours a day” with physiotherapy to make a comeback in the World Cup. 

“He is sleeping in physiotherapy, 24 hours a day,” Marquinhos said. “That shows how much he wants to be back with us. We don’t know when it’s going to happen, but we hope we will have him with us again as soon as possible and in good health mentally and physically.”