Injured Neymar to miss rest of group stage

He seems certain to also be absent when Brazil face Cameroon in their third and final qualifying match on Friday.

"It's important to remain calm, an evaluation will be conducted daily so we can have more information and take the most appropriate decisions," Lasmar said.

He added that "the goal is to have him recover" in time to still play in the tournament.

Lasmar did not give a timetable for Neymar's recovery. He said the situation of defender Danilo, who has a left ankle injury, was similar to Neymar's and he would also miss the game against Switzerland.

Neymar was receiving treatment at the team's hotel on Friday after being hurt in the 2-0 win against Serbia in Brazil's opener.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker sprained his ankle in the second half of a bruising match on Thursday. 

He was in tears while sitting on the bench with ice around his ankle and limped off the field on his way to the changing room.

"Difficult game, but it was important to win," Neymar said on his social media accounts not long after he left the stadium without talking to the media. 

"Congratulations team, first step taken. Six more to go."

In an Instagram story after the match, Neymar posted a text that mentioned the need to "have faith."

Brazil coach Tite had already expressed optimism about Neymar's condition.

"You can be sure that Neymar will still play in this World Cup," he said. "I'm certain about that."

Neymar was substituted in the 79th minute, 10 minutes after hurting his ankle while being tackled by Serbia defender Nikola Milenkovic.

Neymar was fouled nine times, the most of all World Cup players after the first round of matches in the group stage.

"We'll remain upbeat, it's the characteristic of this team," Brazil goalkeeper Alisson said. "These adverse circumstances will only make the group stronger."

Neymar's replacement will probably be Rodrygo, who came on as a second-half substitute against Serbia.