Paris Saint-Germain announced on Monday that Neymar Jr. would miss the rest of the 2022-23 season after the medical staff recommended a ligament repair operation on his right ankle to avoid a significant risk of recurrence.
The surgery will keep the 31-year-old out for three to four months, so while it’s a blow to the PSG attack, one former French player is glad to see Neymar out of the lineup.
Christophe Dugarry appeared on Rothen s’enflamme, where the former Bordeaux forward explained why Neymar being out with an injury is excellent for manager Christophe Galtier.
“I’m delighted for PSG that Neymar is injured,” Dugarry said Monday on the French media outlet. “I think it’s an incredible chance for Christophe Galtier. At one point, he would have Had to have the courage to take out Neymar; it was the only solution.
“This team is much better balanced at five behind, with three midfielders and Mbappé-Messi in front. With PSG, who will play a little lower and counter-attack? This team is not capable of having control because when the ball is lost, the front three do not defend and they find themselves in danger. They concede too many chances.”
🗣️💬 Christophe Dugarry : "C'est une chance incroyable pour Galtier car un moment ou à un autre il aurait du avoir le courage de sortir Neymar" pic.twitter.com/vMW7ZQpSiJ
— Rothen s'enflamme (@Rothensenflamme) March 6, 2023
The way Neymar plays the game of football or how he conducts himself away from the pitch isn’t for everyone. Additionally, criticism of that is valid; however, cheering or being happy that a player is injured crosses the line.
No pundit or reporter should be cheering an injury because it shows a lack of professionalism needed, especially when the platform they’re speaking on has a reach like RMC Sport has.
Here’s to Neymar having a speedy recovery.
