Paris Saint-Germain lose Neymar, Kylian Mbappe in Brazil and France’s friendly victories

Paris Saint-Germain duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe went out with injuries as Brazil and Uruguay registered hard-fought victories over Cameroon and Uruguay respectively in international friendlies on Tuesday.

Neymar could only play for seven minutes, while Mbappe lasted 36 minutes before being substituted in what could probably be a massive blow to the French club ahead of their important Champions League clash against Liverpool in approximately a weeks time.

The Brazilian limped off in the seven-minute after suffering an adductor muscle injury while taking shot and was replaced by Everton’s Richarlison, who eventually scored the winning goal against the African opponents.

“He felt discomfort. He will need a bit more time to evaluate it and take a scan, but in principle, it is not a serious injury,” Brazil’s team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar was quoted as saying by BBC after the match.

Things though calmed down later after Neymar wrote in an Instagram message, “Thanks to everyone who sent me messages wishing me a quick recovery, I don’t think it’s anything serious.”

Brazil failed to get into the match after Neymar’s departure before a slew of substitutions before the second half opened up the game for them. Richarlison eventually scored in the 45^th minute to seal the victory.

Manchester City striker and substitute Gabriel Jesus then could have doubled the scoreline but his effort in the 53^rd minute from outside the box struck the post, while Arthur saw his 25-metre low drive hit the upright.

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The victory was Brazil’s sixth consecutive victory ever since they were knocked out of the World Cup quarterfinals by Belgium.

Meanwhile, Mbappe was forced to be replaced in the 36^th minute having suffered a shoulder injury after landing awkwardly following a challenge from Uruguay goalkeeper Martin Campana.

The world Cup-winning forward was sent clear by a Tanguy Ndombele through ball behind the France back-line. But Uruguayan goalkeeper Campana came out of his line and cleared the ball with his feet sending Mbappe flying on the turf. He fell on his shoulder and could not continue from there-on.

“He has a sore shoulder, he’s fallen badly. He will have to see with the medical staff. I hope it’s not bad,” said France coach Didier Deschamps after the match, reports BBC.

Martin Caceres then handled the ball inside the box with the referee pointing to the spot from which Olivier Giroud scored to bring-up the victory.

France has failed to qualify for the Nations League finals after finishing second in Group A1 behind leaders Netherlands.