Written By: Nirmalya Dutta | Published : July 6, 2014 11:31 AM IST
It wouldn't be wrong to say that Neymar has been synonymous with the World Cup in Brazil so far. He was their star player who was anointed the heir to greats like Pele, Socrates, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho and now he's all set to the miss the rest of the World Cup because of one rash challenge. But will the injury result in us losing one of the most talented young players to grace football? Are the effects permanent?
While football is cruel in the sense that Neymar will miss the rest of the World Cup, we should take solace in knowing that Neymar's cracked vertebra won't have any everlasting damage. According to Brazil team doctor Jose Luiz Runco, he will be able to walk normally and even get back to playing soon. He said: 'He can walk. There's no neurological damage. There is nothing that will cause problems for him in the future as a player or as a human being,' team doctor Jose Luiz Runco told reporters at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. Runco confirmed that Neymar had suffered a transverse fracture of the left side of the third lumbar vertebra. According to the doc, the injury will take three to six weeks to heal and the player will rest and recuperate with his family.
'We're happy to say it's a minor injury,' Jose Luiz Runco told TV Globo on Saturday. 'He'll recover fully and there will be no long-term effects. It will take three or four weeks to heal. 'Right now he needs rest and analgesic anti-inflammatory medication, and in four weeks I'm sure he can resume his normal activities and return to his club [for training]. His club Barcelona FC have been informed about his condition and the player will be able to remain in Brazil for the rest of the World Cup. 'We have informed his club of his condition and kept them up to date,' he added. 'In terms of him staying with the squad for the rest of the World Cup, I see no problem at all. Whether he can be on the bench with the other players is up to the coaching staff, however.'
Neymar also made a short statement in a video release: 'My dream was to play in a World Cup final, that's not going to happen now,' said Neymar, who was seated in the video and wearing a black T-shirt. 'This Cup isn't over. I will do what I can so that Brazil is victorious in the final.'
Colombia's Juan Z iga who clattered Neymar in the back in the final minutes of the match said he didn't mean to injure the Brazilian though Brazilian officials will be seeking disciplinary action against the Colombian. Neymar's injury has affected his teammates as well. David Luiz, who scored a wonder goal against Colombia, predicted Neymar would recover. Sadly, that wasn't to be. But we should be grateful that this injury didn't result in anything more serious as spinal injuries can lead to paralysis and other similar issues.
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