Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar goes down injured so often because he has “extremely sensitive feet”, according to assistant coach Zsolt Low.
The Brazil international has been the centre of much debate ahead of PSG’s vital Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
He is set to start the game, although head coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted that he is taking a risk with the player regarding injury.
Neymar has missed 66 games through injury since signing for PSG in 2017, and Low has taken to defending the former Barcelona star, who has earned a reputation as a player who tends to go down easily.
“Neymar has incredibly sensitive feet,” Low told Bild. “If he gets kicked, it gives him extreme pain.”
The Hungarian believes that Neymar is targeted by opponents because of this physical weakness.
“Of course what he does on the pitch sometimes seems arrogant,” he added. “But if he is the victim of a foul, he then tries to beat his man at the next opportunity. It’s his way to respond to the harsh treatment he gets.”
Neymar has yet to score in the Champions League this season while PSG stand on the brink of an exit given that they have lost two of their opening three matches in the competition.
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Tuchel’s side, however, will be propelled back into the qualification mix if they can overcome Leipzig at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
PSG will go into the match with a depleted squad, as Juan Bernat, Thilo Kehrer and Mauro Icardi are among those to miss out injured. Additionally, Presnel Kimpembe and Idrissa Gueye are both banned after being dismissed in the previous meeting between the clubs. There is also some doubt as to whether Marco Verratti will be able to play a full role in the encounter.
Les Parisiens defeated Leipzig 3-0 in the Final 8 back in August, when Angel Di Maria took centre stage by scoring one and setting up two.
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