Neymar limps off during training ahead of Copa America

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Brazil have suffered an injury scare as superstar Neymar limped off the pitch during the team's training on Tuesday, as the host nation of the 46th Copa America have been gearing up for the world's oldest international soccer competition.

The iconic forward was hit on the left knee by his Paris St-Germain teammate Thiago Silva and was attended to by medical staff before leaving the training session early.

It has not been a good 48 hours for Neymar, who lost the Brazil captaincy for the Copa America to veteran club-mate Dani Alves.

The decision by coach Tite came following Neymar's altercation with a fan at the French Cup final on April 27.

Brazilan soccer player Neymar sprays his right foot during a training session of the national team in Teresopolis, Brazil. /VCG Photo

Incidentally, a suspended Neymar had to sit out during Brazil's horrific 7-1 defeat against Germany in the 2014 World Cup at home while he recovered just in time for the 2018 World Cup in Russia but sparked criticism over his repeated falls and roll-overs during tackles.

Hosts Brazil, who have not won a major trophy since they last won the Copa America in 2007, are drawn in Group A with Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru. The home side will kick off their campaign on June 14 against Bolivia at the Estadio do Morumbi in Sao Paulo.