While the world watches in wonder at the sheer magic created by FC Barcelona, the Catalans are worried about their Brazilian forward Neymar, who could miss the outing to Japan for the Club World Cup next week.
Neymar injured his thigh ahead of FC Barcelona’s Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen and had to sit-out the game, in which the Catalans were held to a 1-1 draw thanks to an equaliser from Javier Hernandez after Lionel Messi gave them the lead.
In spite of this draw, Barcelona topped Group E, with AS Roma taking the second place in spite of finishing on the same number of points as Leverkusen (six). Roma had a better head-to-head record against the German club.
Neymar to miss Club World Cup?
Although FC Barcelona did not confirm the length of Neymar’s absence due to this injury, it is believed that he would miss the semi final clash, which is to be held on Wednesday, December 17, against the winners of the quarterfinal between Mexican side Club America and Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande, according to Spanish outlet Sport . .
So far, two tests have been run on Neymar, one in Germany before the match and the second one after returning to Spain, but a proper time frame is yet to be given. However, it has been ascertained that the Brazilian has suffered a “small muscle injury” in his left thigh.
The FC Barcelona medical team is doing all they can, to get the Brazilian star fit for the Club World Cup, and the Brazilian is set to go through physiotherapy in the lengthy flight to Japan.
‘Sombrero trick’ caused the injury
Neymar had injured his thigh in training, but it was the way he did it that makes the old school football fan in everyone scowl a bit. The Brazilian had reportedly tried to pull off a ‘Sombrero trick’ on attaacking partner Luis Suarez in training.
However, as he lifted the ball over Suarez, the Uruguayan got to the ball first, as Neymar had to stretch to avoid making contact with his teammate. This stretch had reportedly caused the injury to Neymar.