Manchester United have been handed a huge boost with the news that Neymar will miss both of their Champions League clashes with Paris Saint-Germain.
The forward picked up a foot injury in the French Cup match with Strasbourg on January 23 and had scans and further assessment at PSG’s Ooredoo Training Center.
A team of medical experts have concluded that Neymar has damaged the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. As a result, he will be absent for the next 10 weeks.
That means he will not be available when PSG visit united on February 12 or for the return last-16 Champions League clash at the Parc des Prince on March 6.
Neymar will not require surgery on the injury, but his absence will be a huge blow for the French giants.
A PSG statement said: ‘Paris Saint-Germain wishes to show its player all his affection, his strongest support and his greatest encouragement to overcome this injury, with the courage and determination he has always shown.’
They added: ‘The Brazilian international was in total agreement with the treatment plan.’
‘It’s going to be very difficult, that is clear,’ manager Thomas Tuchel said shortly after the injury. ‘It’s too early to talk about a return date.
‘We have to wait for the first week, which is very important, and its reaction to treatment. Only after that can we be more precise, but it’s going to be very difficult [for the united match].’