Paris Saint-Germain hit with major injury headache with Neymar ruled out against RB Leipzig

Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a major injury headache with Neymar ruled out of their Champions League clash against RB Leipzig.

The club’s preparations for Tuesday’s fixture took a hit when the superstar sustained a leg injury while on international duty with Brazil – and he will not be fit.

Having also missed PSG’s victory over Angers in Ligue 1 on Friday because he was away, Neymar will be absent again, it has now been confirmed.

PSG have been dealt a blow with Neymar ruled out of their Champions League tie with Leipzig

A statement read: ‘Neymar Jr has been suffering from adductor pain since his return from the national team and will have to extend a period of treatment for a few days before a normal return to the group.’

PSG’s match against Angers took place on the same day that the mercurial forward was facing Uruguay in World Cup qualifying.

He returned to the Parc des Princes with a knock, however, and will instead watch on from the treatment table when Leipzig travel to Paris.

Having picked up a knock while away with Brazil, Neymar will not recover in time to feature

Also missing will be Leandro Paredes, who is struggling with a quadriceps issue, while Sergio Ramos, although he is closer to returning, is not ready to feature. 

The club’s fanbase were hopeful that Neymar would be able to play in the Champions League and, if there is any delay in his recovery, he may also be a doubt for PSG’s next top-flight game against Marseille.

After that, there is a five-day gap before a tie against Ligue 1 champions Lille, when Neymar is expected to have returned to full fitness. 

His long-term future in the sport is unclear, though, and Neymar has scored just once in his first seven appearances across all competitions this season.

Thiago Silva (right) has given his public support to Neymar after his mental health comments

Despite also being on target for Brazil in their win against Uruguay, the 29-year-old has admitted that the mental strain in football may force him into early retirement.

Thiago Silva leapt to the defence of his compatriot in a passionate show of support for him, with Neymar intimating next year’s World Cup may be his last.

Both players have been international team-mates for 11 years, and also featured together at PSG for three seasons before Silva left for Chelsea. 

And after developing a bond at club and country level, Silva has publicly stood by the former Barcelona man by recalling his own moments of self-doubt.  

Silva recalled moments of self-doubt from his own career in a passionate defence of Neymar

‘Here at the national team, I have gone through some moments that are very similar [with what Neymar is going through], especially after 2014 World Cup,’ Silva said.

‘I was called a crybaby, weak, very weak, mentally. These are things that hurt you and you know that you are not what you have been called.

‘I hope he doesn’t lose his joy, continue to be happy the way he always is. He is a very special kid and, when he’s happy, doing what he loves, he delivers.’

In an Instagram story, Silva added: ‘If you need someone strong to be by your side, know that I will always be there. The Silva family love you.’