Neymar to make miracle return for World Cup final? Brazil team doctor rubbishes the speculation

The 22-year-old forward suffered a fractured vertebra on Friday

James Orr
Monday 07 July 2014 12:47 BST
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Brazil's Neymar is seen inside a medical helicopter at the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis, Brazil. Neymar will be treated at home for his back injury
Brazil's Neymar is seen inside a medical helicopter at the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis, Brazil. Neymar will be treated at home for his back injury (Heuler Andrey | Mowa Press via Getty Images )

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After reports in Brazil emerged that Neymar could make a miracle return to play in the World Cup final should his side reach it, team doctor Joe Ruz Runco has moved quickly to rubbish the speculation.

The 22-year-old broke his back after a wild challenge from Colombian defender Juan Zuniga during Brazil's 2-1 victory in the last 16.

Neymar initially feared he was paralysed straight after the incident, and it was soon confirmed that he would be out for up to six weeks, ending his participation at the tournament.

Reports in Brazil yesterday suggested that the Barcelona forward could make a remarkable return to play in Sunday's final by taking pain-killing injections should Brazil navigate their way past Germany tomorrow, but team doctor Runzo has stated that there is no chance of this happening.

"There’s no chance of him playing in the final of the World Cup,” Runco told TV Globo.

"He can be with the team, yes, but there’s no chance he can be on the field. No way.

"We will not create the illusion of something that does not exist. We have no choice but to not play him.

Marcelo comes to the aid of his team-mate
Marcelo comes to the aid of his team-mate (GETTY IMAGES)

"Neymar has an injury which needs to heal. It could seriously risk his recovery if he plays, and jeopardise his career."

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