Football
ESPN staff 6y

Brazil, PSG doctors in 'total harmony' on Neymar injury - Rodrigo Lasmar

Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar says he and the medical team at PSG have been in "total harmony" over the diagnosis and treatment of Neymar since the beginning, and stated that the star forward is eager to return from injury as soon as he can.

Neymar is back in Brazil as he recovers from surgery on a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot, a procedure that Lasmar performed. 

Neymar, 26, suffered the injury toward the end of last month's 3-0 Ligue 1 win over bitter rivals Marseille, but what was initially said to be a crack in his foot was later confirmed a fracture. However, Lasmar told L'Equipe on Tuesday that the initial confusion about the damage was due to a translation issue and not a difference of opinion between the two staffs.

"It's a question of semantics, of details. In Brazil, when we speak of a 'fracture,' this includes the term 'fissure.' It's the same thing," Lasmar said. "Since the first moment, we agreed with PSG about the diagnosis. What they consider a fissure, we call a fracture. In the end, we were saying the same thing."

Neymar's recovery could last up to three months. Though Lasmar would not set a date for his return, he added that the former Barcelona man is eager to get back on the field.

Lasmar said: "What is certain is that he wants to return as soon as possible. But after the operation, we set a target of six weeks before examining the evolution of his recuperation. From there, we'll do further imaging and detailed reviews that will help us define that return.

"We have to wait to see how it will be for that, so, we can detail the next steps and establish the day in which he can return to the field."

Asked how Neymar reacted when he learned the extent of his injury, Lasmar said it was normal that he'd be alarmed at first.

"He became very sad when he found out the seriousness of the injury and learned he needed surgery," he said. "On the eve of a competition like the World Cup, it's always a little scary. He became really annoyed in the first moments, but his power of recovery and his mental strength allowed him to overcome that."

Lasmar reiterated there was no discord with the PSG doctor Eric Rolland after Neymar's injury.

"In no way [did we disagree]. Our relation with Dr. Rolland is very good and is not new. We've known each other for a long time. Over the years, we established a professional relationship, but also a friendly one. Before Neymar's injury, there was never a problem of misunderstanding with PSG.

"And I insist, because it's important: There wasn't, during this episode, any discrepancy between CBF [the Brazilain football federation] and PSG. Since the first day, we had the same thinking in that I said I respect the diagnosis and necessary treatment. There was total harmony among us."

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