Neymar has been ruled out of the World Cup after Brazil's team doctor confirmed he suffered a broken vertebra late in Friday's quarterfinal victory against Colombia.
The star forward was involved in a late collision with Colombia's Juan Camilo Zuniga in the 88th minute, and will not be available when Brazil face Germany in the semifinal on Tuesday, or for the final on July 13, should Brazil advance.
Neymar appeared to take a knee in the back, and as the medical staff came out to attend to the forward, they decided to stretcher him off the field.
The forward was swiftly taken down the tunnel while covering his face with his arm.
Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said Neymar broke the third vertebra in the lumbar region of his back.
"It is a benign fracture," Lasmar said. "This news is not easy, but he will not be available at this World Cup.
"The fracture does not require surgery. There will be a conservative treatment; [he] will need physiotherapy and comfort to ease the pain."
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