Neymar goes off in TEARS on a stretcher with a severe left knee sprain in Brazil’s World Cup qualifying loss against Uruguay – with the star set for scans over fears of ligament damage

Neymar was in tears as he left the pitch at the end of the first half of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Tuesday with an apparent knee injury.

The 31-year-old striker tripped and fell during a 44th-minute run at the Centenario Staidum and was immediately surrounded by players from both teams as he held his left knee and screamed in pain.

Neymar was carried away on a stretcher with both hands covering his face and looking in visible pain.

Sources at the Brazilian FA said Neymar had suffered a serious left knee sprain and would undergo tests to determine if there was ligament damage.

Neymar, who plays for Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League, was criticized by fans ahead of the World Cup qualifier for his below-par performance in Thursday’s 1-1 draw between hosts Brazil and Venezuela.

He left for Saudi Arabia in August in a stunning deal that could see him earn around $300 million over a two-year contract.

But if his knee injury is as bad as it first appears, it could sideline him for most of the first year of his contract. The Saudi competition will run parallel to the European season, with the current 2023-2024 season ending in May next year.

Brazil lost the match that evening in Montevideo 2-0. Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez opened the scoring in the first half – two minutes before Neymar was injured.

Nicolas de la Cruz secured the victory for Uruguay thirteen minutes from time in the second half.

The defeat leaves Brazil in third place in the CONMEBOL standings and will face Colombia and World Cup holders Argentina next month.