Neymar taken off on stretcher with ankle injury as PSG win 3-1 vs Saint-Etienne
Neymar was taken off on a stretcher in the 85th minute of Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 win against Saint-Etienne on Sunday.
The Brazilian striker screamed in pain and was clutching his left ankle which appeared to give way following a challenge from Yvann Macon. He called for immediate medical assistance.
PSG team-mates Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Ramos, who was making his debut, stood around him as he received attention from the PSG medical staff. Neymar had his face in his hands and appeared to be crying as he left the pitch on a stretcher.
He was replaced by Eric-Junior Dina-Ebimbe. Last season Neymar was out for 27 days and missed five games during the months of December and January due to an ankle issue.
Mauricio Pochettino, speaking to Amazon Prime, after the match said: “Yes, we have to assess this tomorrow.
“But on the TV, yes, we see it now, the images are impressive. Obviously, we are worried. But we hope it’s nothing too serious and that he can come back to help the team as quickly as possible.”
Messi set up all three goals to help PSG stretch their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table to 14 points but the match was overshadowed by Neymar's injury.
Saint-Etienne opened the scoring courtesy of a Denis Bouanga goal but the turning point in the game came when Timothee Kolodziejczak was sent off on the stroke of half-time.
Messi then assisted Marquinhos to equalise early on in the second half before Di Maria put Pochettino’s side ahead. Marquinhos struck again in injury time to seal the win.
(Photo: JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images)