Brazilian star Neymar out of World Cup after freak injury

Brazilian star Neymar out of World Cup after freak injury
(Image credit: Jamie McDonald)

Neymar, Brazil's enigmatic forward and leading goal scorer, will miss the remainder of the World Cup after fracturing a vertebra in his back during Friday's win over Colombia.

The 22-year-old was carried off the field on a stretcher after taking a knee to the back in an ill-advised challenge from Colombia's Juan Zuniga. Brazil's team doctor described the fracture as "not serious," saying it would not need surgery. Still, it is serious enough that Neymar will have no chance of returning to the pitch before the tournament ends.

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Jon Terbush

Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.