Estevao injury hands Neymar a World Cup lifeline

The Brazil national team has taken a huge hit to their World Cup chances after Estevao has been ruled out of action with a hamstring injury. Estevao suffered a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United, and his injury has since been classified as a grade 4 hamstring tear, making it a severe injury and may well keep Estevao out of action not just until the end of the season.

The loss of Estevao could be a big blow for Brazil at the World Cup, but it could well open the door for Neymar to get a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. Neymar is anxiously pursuing a place in the World Cup squad, and he may have just been handed a lifeline.

The odds for Brazil at the World Cup continue to hold steady, but with the introduction of Neymar, bookmakers might react and Brazil’s odds could decrease with the momentum of Neymar returning to the team. If you’re following the tournament in Canada, there are many bookmakers which are already offering odds, like bet365, which gives you free bets when you sign up with a code.

Estevao’s loss is Neymar’s gain

Estevao has been among the most exciting players in Europe this season. Having signed from Palmeiras as a teenager, he was finally allowed to move to Chelsea last summer after he turned 18, and immediately gained a reputation as a future superstar. He has already made 11 appearances for the Brazil national team, and was expected to feature heavily at the World Cup, especially due to the major ACL and meniscus injury suffered by Rodrygo that will keep him out of the World Cup.

These injuries mean Brazil will be without two of their best attackers, leaving them somewhat short-changed up front. Brazil already lack a world-class striker, and the injury to Estevao essentially leaves Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and a few less experienced others to anchor Brazil’s attack.

The reduction in experience and talent may cause Carlo Ancelotti to look towards Neymar. Neymar has been excluded from the Brazil national team set-up for a few years as he has dealt with intense injuries. Now he is back at his boyhood club Santos, and is ramping up his fitness in an attempt to join his country for one last World Cup.

Neymar may not be the player he used to be; his injuries have sapped him of his speed. But he remains one of the most technically gifted and intelligent players Brazil have at their disposal, not to mention the countries’ all-time top goalscorer. Neymar still has time to impress Carlo Ancelotti before he selects his final squad in May.