Paris Saint-Germain stalwart Neymar Jr. has reportedly been ruled of the first-leg of his side's UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester United. The 26-year-old Brazilian forward took numerous hits in a very physical Coupe de France encounter with Strasbourg on Wednesday which his side emerged victorious at the end.
However, the ex-Barcelona star was unable to complete the full 90 minutes with a tackle by Moataz Zemzemi forcing him off. The attacker left the pitch in tears and was replaced by replaced by Moussa Diaby.
Strasbourg midfielder Anthony Gonçalves on Neymar: "He is a great player. But if you play like that, then don't complain if you take knocks. We aren't here so he has fun at our expense or to make him look good. If he wants to have fun, we are responding with the weapons we have." pic.twitter.com/IeboNRfGcM
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) January 25, 2019
It was later revealed that the PSG's record signing had injured his metatarsal and is expected to be sidelined for a while.
A report that has emerged from French media outlet RMC indicates that the Brazilian superstar will not be seen in action when his side takes on Manchester United in the first-leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie on February 12.
Breaking | Neymar definitively out vs Manchester United, he can barely put pressure on the affected foot, according to RMC.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 27, 2019
Per RMC's account, the 26-year-old cannot put any weight on his injured right ankle at the moment. As a result, the Brazilian national team's Dr. Lasmar will be flying in to visit him in Paris on Monday.
While the full diagnoses are yet to be revealed, Neymar is expected to be fit when the Red Devils travel to Paris for the return fixture on March 6.
Neymar has scored 20 goals and nine assists in 22 games for the Paris Saint-Germain this season.
