Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach, Thomas Tuchel, doubted one of his core players, Neymar, to appear against Manchester United in the first leg of the last 16 of the 2018/2019 Champions League, at Old Trafford Stadium on Tuesday (5/2) night local time.
This match is a crucial match for PSG. Because they have failed to advance further in the last 16, so they want this year to be one of the best in Europe by winning the Round Ear trophy.
Neymar’s right foot condition was said to be quite severe after suffering a metatarsal injury while facing Stasbourg in the French Cup on Thursday (1/24). At that time he appeared as a starter in the match against Strasbourg. At that time Neymar dueled Anthony Goncalves midway through the second half. After the duel Neymar groaned in pain so he had to be pulled out by Thomas Tuchel.
Neymar was immediately taken to the hospital crying to get further treatment in the second round of the match.
“It will be very difficult. As I explained, it is still too early to discuss the possibility of the date he [Neymar] will return. This is no secret, this is very difficult,” ESPN was quoted as saying by ESPN.
At least, continued Tuchel, the certainty of Neymar’s condition can only be known in the next week. Especially to find out the reaction to treatment that has been done to get the right results.
Neymar had suffered an injury in the same location as the one currently experienced. He also had time to ride the operating table which made him have to miss a long time from football and possibly he would go back up the operating table to recover his injury.
“The initial examination has revealed the recurrence of the fifth metatarsal injury of his right leg. The treatment of this injury will depend on its development over the next few days. All options can be considered at this time,” said the official PSG statement.
The source of the medical team at PSG confirmed that Rodrigo Lasmar, the doctor of the Brazilian national team, had been asked by Neymar to come to France to see his condition on Sunday (27/1). Lasmar is the person who treated Neymar’s injury ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
PSG will travel to Old Trafford for the Champions League last 16 first leg on 12 February. PSG will against Red Devils in the second leg on March 6, 2019.