Brazil’s mixed start to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification continued when they lost 2–0 to Uruguay on 18 October.
The Samba Boys won back-to-back games in their opening games against Bolivia and Peru in September but headed for Uruguay’s defeat after a draw at home to Venezuela.
In addition to the negative result in Montevideo, star forward Neymar was carried off on a stretcher in apparent agony in first-half extra time when Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez had already put Uruguay in the lead.
The Al Hilal forward was in tears on his way off the pitch after getting involved with Nicolas de la Cruz. It looked like the 31-year-old had badly injured his knee.
There are fears that Neymar could now face a long spell on the sidelines with a possible ligament injury.
When is Neymar back?
There is not yet any confirmation as to the seriousness of Neymar’s injury or how long he is likely to be out of action.
Casemiro’s comments underlined the issues Neymar has endured in recent months, with his Al Hilal debut delayed until September after undergoing ankle surgery in March.
The length of Neymar’s absence will become clearer following tests by the Brazil medical team with a severe sprain likely to keep him out of action for at least two months.
However, ligament damage could mean a much longer absence and could put his chances of playing at next year’s Copa America in doubt.
