AGENCIES
November 26: Brazil’s star striker Neymar has been ruled out of the next two World Cup games after sustaining ligament damage in his right ankle, the BBC reported citing Brazil’s team doctor.

According to AFP, the Paris Saint-Germain star suffered ligament damage in the 2-0 victory against Serbia on Thursday when he collided with Nikola Milenkovic.

The 30-year-old forward was replaced in 80th minute after a heavy tackle by Milenkovic.

According to the BBC, he described the injury as "one of the hardest moments of my career".

"Nothing in my life came easy and I've always had to work for my dreams and goals," Neymar wrote on Instagram. "I have never wished anyone anything bad and always helped who needed. I'm injured, yes it's not nice, it will hurt but I'm sure I will have the chance to come back because I'll do everything possible to help my country, my team-mates and myself."

Neymar's career has been peppered by injuries which have impacted on his previous two World Cups, added AFP.

According to the French news agency, he suffered a fractured bone in his back in the quarter-final win over Colombia in 2014, meaning he was sidelined when the hosts were thrashed 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals.

“Four years later he raced to recover from injury in time for the tournament in Russia, but Brazil never hit the expected heights before losing to Belgium in the last eight.”

Brazil face Switzerland in their second Group G game on Monday (16:00 GMT), before playing Cameroon next Friday (19:00 BST).