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BSP-21
FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-PSG-NEYMAR,LEAD
Neymar to miss Man Utd tie after being ruled out for 10 weeks (lead)
PARIS, Jan 30, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Neymar will miss both legs of Paris
Saint-Germain’s upcoming Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester
United after the French club confirmed on Tuesday that the world’s most
expensive player would be out for 10 weeks with a metatarsal injury.
However, Neymar will not undergo an operation, with PSG saying the
Brazilian had instead agreed on “a conservative treatment” that could see him
return in time for the Champions League quarter-finals in April should they
qualify.
“After detailed analysis by specialists, a consensus was reached of a
conservative treatment of Neymar’s injury to the fifth right metatarsal,” the
French champions said.
“Informed of this recommendation, Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian
international striker agreed with this protocol. As a result, Neymar is
expected to return to the field within 10 weeks.”
Neymar suffered the injury in PSG’s French Cup win against Strasbourg last
week, and his coach Thomas Tuchel had already all but ruled the 222-million-
euro forward out of the first leg against United at Old Trafford on February
12.
The second leg of that tie is scheduled for March 6, and the timeline
announced by the club means he could just make it back in time for a quarter-
final first leg, due to be played on April 9 and 10. The second legs are set
for the following week.
“Paris Saint-Germain sends its strongest support and encouragement to
Neymar Jr. to overcome this injury, with the courage and determination that
the player has always shown,” the club added.
While Neymar will now sit out a crucial period in PSG’s season, there has
also been concern back in Brazil, which will host the Copa America in June
and July.
An operation would have put Neymar’s participation in that tournament at
risk, as well as effectively ending his club season.
Brazil coach Tite and national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar have been in
Paris this week to visit Neymar, who suffered a fracture to the same right
foot at the end of February last year.
He underwent an operation, performed by Lasmar, and returned just in time
for the World Cup in Russia last June.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1818HRS