Neymar feared he was paralysed after World Cup injury

Brazilian footballer Naymar feared he was left paralysed after his clash with Columbian defender Juan Zuniga during Friday’s World Cup match.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari claims Neymar couldn’t feel his legs after being hit in the back during the 2-1 World Cup quarter-final victory over Colombia on Friday.

Neymar has been ruled out for between three and six weeks after he was hit in the lower back during an aerial challenge with Colombia defender Juan Zuniga in the latter stages of the game in Fortaleza.

The 22-year-old forward informed Brazil defender Marcelo he had no sensation in the lower part of his body as he lay on the turf moments after the challenge.

Scans revealed Neymar fractured a vertebra following the collision, and the player, who is now back at home, is expected to make a full recovery and be fit for the start of the domestic season with Barcelona.

“Marcelo ran up to Neymar and asked him how he was feeling and he told him: ‘I can’t feel my legs.’,” said Scolari.

The Brazil boss is hopeful Neymar will enjoy the remainder of the competition with the rest of the squad.

“He will be with us if he can, on the bench or in the stands,” said the former Chelsea manager.

“We have already asked him to do this. It all will depend on how he is in the upcoming days. If he can do it, I am certain that he will.”

Brazil team doctor Jose Luiz Runco has confirmed Neymar should be back in the groove in around six weeks.

“He does not have any neurological injury that would compromise his life as an athlete or a human being,” said Runco.

“He will be out for 40-45 days. Then he will be able to pass, to run.”

Meanwhile, Brazil midfielder Willian, who is hoping to replace Neymar in Tuesday’s game against Germany in Belo Horizonte, insists there is no problem with his fitness.

The 25-year-old Chelsea player suffered a knock in training on Saturday, but he insists the injury is minor.

“I am feeling great. I was hurt on my left side in training yesterday and it bothers me a bit but it is nothing significant and it won’t stop me training today,” said Willian.