Paris Saint-Germain has provided an update on Neymar Jr's fitness following an injury to his ankle which has ruled him out of the upcoming Copa America. The 27-year-old forward is expected to spend four weeks in recovery after he sprained his right ankle in Brazil's warm-up friendly against Qatar on Wednesday.
Neymar's participation was cut short after he suffered the setback in the 21st minute in his country's 2-0 win. After sustaining the injury, the winger left the Estadio Nacional visibly upset with the aid of a pair of crutches.
A statement on the Brazil FA's website confirmed that the former Selecao skipper had ruptured a ligament in his ankle following test and evaluation by the team doctors. Paris Saint-Germain has since rehashed Neymar's predicament while revealing as relatively shorter timeline for his return in contrast to initial claims.
A statement by the club read: "On Saturday 8 June, Paris Saint-Germain's first team doctor, Dr Laurent Aumont, and the club's Medical Board member and leading figure in sport medicine Professor Gérard Saillant assessed the injury picked up by Neymar Jr in Brazil's preparation match for the Copa América last Wednesday.
"The two doctors diagnosed a sprain of the lateral ligament of the right ankle without surgical indication, to be treated with conservative treatment.
"The Paris Saint-Germain striker is expected to return on the field in four weeks time."
In recent years, Neymar has gained a reputation of picking up injuries ahead of major international tournaments for Brazil. During the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the former Barcelona star picked up a back injury which ruled him out of the Selecao's 7-1 thrashing against Germany in the semi-finals. Again, he entered the 2018 FIFA World Cup after a lengthy spell on the sideline with a foot injury.
In Neymar's place, Brazil head coach Tite has called up Chelsea's Willian as the hosts prepare for the curtain raiser on June 14 against Bolivia.
