Rumors that Neymar is considering heavy medical treatment to play in a potential final

Kyle Bonn

It’s still a minimal possibility, but depending on how his initial recovery goes, there is hope around Brazil’s camp that Neymar could play in the World Cup final, should the team get there.

According to Globo Esporte, some officials around the Brazilian team are hoping that Neymar could try a mixture of painkillers, medication, and therapy that would make him available for the match despite not having fully recovered.

The 22-year-old superstar suffered a broken vertebra in the dying minutes of Brazil’s quarterfinal win over Colombia. They are scheduled to play Germany in the semifinal on Tuesday.

Reports suggest that, while some think it would be possible, others – including Neymar – are a bit shy about risking such a dangerous injury by playing too early. However, according to Globo Esporte, Neymar is “willing to try” the attempt.

According to the report, Neymar was visited in his home by Santos doctor Zenaide Mauricio, Brazil physiotherapist Rafael Martini, and spinal specialist Nicola Carneiro. Neymar’s break is of the L3 vertebra, and the doctors told Globo Esporte that “if someone could choose a place to have some spine injury, this is the place it would be.”

Apparently, muscle inflammation around the injury leading to pain poses the biggest roadblock to getting him back on the field. The fracture itself does not cause a limitation of motion to the player.

The estimated recovery time on the injury is 40-45 days, and there is some trepidation that the procedure would cause a slowing of that timetable. It’s also unclear what Barcelona think of this. They probably wouldn’t be too pleased.

In a video a day after the injury, Neymar said with teary eyes, “I won’t be able to fulfill the dream of playing in a World Cup final, but I’m sure [Brazil] will win this one, they will become champions, and I will be there with them, and all of Brazil will be celebrating together.”

For now, it remains a very small possibility, but yes, we’re saying there’s a chance that Neymar makes a return should Brazil make the World Cup final.