Neymar is out for the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a broken vertebra in Brazil's quarterfinal win over Colombia. Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the diagnosis and that he would miss the tournament.
Neymar was injured when Juan Zuniga ran through him on a ball in the air. Zuniga's knee hit Neymar's back and the Brazilian fell to the ground. Play was later stopped for trainers to attend to Neymar, who was stretchered off the pitch in obvious pain.
After the match, Neymar was taken to the hospital, where the injury was diagnosed. Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said in his post-match press conference that the reports coming from the hospital did not look good and that it was unlikely Neymar would play in the semifinal against Germany. Now it has been confirmed that he will not play in the final or third place match either.
Brazil have struggled at times in this tournament, and that was with Neymar on the pitch. Now they are set to play in the semifinals against Germany, a team that has been ultra efficient in the World Cup. If Brazil weren't already underdogs going into the match, they certainly are now that Neymar will not play.
While Neymar has been diagnosed and ruled out for the tournament, neither Brazil nor Barcelona has said how long he will be sidelined, so his availability for the start of the club season in August remains unclear.
© SBNation
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