Neymar has been braving freezing temperatures in a cryotherapy chamber in a bid to save his World Cup.
The Brazilian striker will once again be missing when his country meet Cameroon in their final group game on Friday after it was initially thought he might shake off an ankle injury and make himself available to face the Africans.
Now, Neymar is undergoing therapy that uses extreme cold to reduce pain and inflammation. The Paris Saint Germain star was kicked out of Brazil’s opening 2-0 win over Serbia after being fouled nine times.
He missed the 1-0 victory over Switzerland that confirmed qualification for the last 16. Brazil boss Tite was hoping that Neymar would get some minutes against Cameroon, but the squad’s medical staff have turned to another form of treatment.
Defender Danilo has also been sidelined by an ankle problem and has been using the cryotherapy chamber with Neymar. The pair are undergoing intensive treatment divided into three sessions during the day.
Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar has been overseeing courses of conventional physiotherapy as well as the use of cryotherapy and electrotherapy in a bid to ease bruising and help with muscle stimulation.
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Neymar was forced to watch the Switzerland game from his hotel room after being taken ill with nausea and a fever. He has also been wearing a compression boot to ease the swelling on his ankle.
Brazil coach Tite said: “I believe both Neymar and Danilo will play again in the World Cup. I have medical reports that are on my side.
“Both situations have improved and we believe both will be available to play. We have to live day by day. I blame myself with Neymar because I didn’t see that he was injured and he played on for 10 or 11 minutes.”
