XtraTime Web Desk: Brazil superstar Neymar remain absent in the training season on Monday. Brazil had a disappointing game as Switzerland held Brazil 1-1 in the opening game of 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Neymar was fouled 10 times during the match, which is the most any single player has been fouled in a World Cup game since 1998.
Neymar did the gym season with Thiago Silva and Paulinho while other team members participated in a full outdoor season ahead of their next game against Costa Rica on Friday.
Neymar missed last few months for PSG as he remained injured. Neymar’s fitness was a huge talking point ahead of the World Cup as he raced back from a broken metatarsal in his right foot.
The 26-year-old was an instrumental figure during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring six goals and adding nine assists in 14 games. However, he wasn’t able to have the same impact in the draw with Switzerland as he was constantly harassed and hounded throughout the match.
The knock inflicted by Switzerland’s heavy-handed approach was to his left foot.
“I was hit and I was aching, but it’s nothing to worry about,” said Neymar, who managed to complete 90 minutes of the match.
Neymar, unfortunately, saw his 2014 World Cup on home soil ended after suffering a back injury in a quarter-final win over Colombia. Without him and the equally stricken Thiago Silva, Brazil was humiliated in a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in the very next game.