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Neymar out of Copa America with ankle ligament damage

Neymar suffered the injury in a friendly against Qatar at Mane Garrincha Stadium
Neymar suffered the injury in a friendly against Qatar at Mane Garrincha Stadium

Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out of the Copa America with an ankle ligament injury.

The 27-year-old suffered the setback in the 20th minute of the Selecao's 2-0 friendly win over Qatar on Wednesday.

"After suffering a sprain in his right ankle during last Wednesday's game against Qatar, Neymar was evaluated and subjected to complementary imaging tests that confirmed ligament rupture in the ankle," a statement on www.cbf.com read.

"Due to the seriousness of the injury, Neymar will not have the physical conditions and sufficient recovery time to participate in the Copa America Brasil 2019."

Hosts Brazil kick off the tournament on 14 June against Bolivia, with the final set to be played on 7 July at the Maracana in Rio.

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