WORLD CUP: Neymar injured, out of World Cup

Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out of the World Cup with a broken bone in his back sustained in the 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia.

Brazil’s bid to win a sixth World Cup has suffered a devastating blow after Neymar (22) was ruled out of the rest of the tournament after fracturing a vertebra bone in his spine during the quarter-final victory against Colombia.

The Barcelona striker was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after taking a knee to the back from the Colombia defender Juan Zuniga in a challenge that went unpunished late in the game.

He was taken to a private clinic in Fortaleza – “crying out in pain”, according to the Brazil manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, – where an X-ray revealed he had fractured one of his vertebrae.

Rodrigo Lasmar, the Brazil team doctor, said:

“This news is not easy but he will not be available for the rest of the World Cup. Neymar has a broken vertebra. He will be out for four to six weeks.”

Zuniga defended the challenge, claiming he did not deliberately try to hurt Brazil’s talisman.

“It was a normal move” he said. “I never meant to hurt a player. I was on the field, playing for the shirt from my country, not without the intent to injure. I was just defending my shirt.”

Neymar’s injury represents a grievous setback given his importance to the team and the absence of a ready-made replacement. He has been one of the stars of the tournament and a player the Brazil public regard as their best hope of victory.

Unfortunately for Brazil, the scan revealed the injury was worse than Brazil’s medical staff had initially feared. “He’s out of the competition,” David Luiz said. “He’s a great guy and now he’s out. Everyone feels sad.”

Brazil meets Germany in the Semi-Finals on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte– Guardian/BBC