Neymar has only 'faint hope' of facing Barca in Champions League after injury

Brazilian superstar Neymar has been dealt another crushing injury blow and is said to have only a 'faint hope' of facing his former club Barcelona in the Champions League next week.

Neymar was sent hurtling to the ground during PSG's French Cup win over Caen on Wednesday night, following a crunching tackle just after the second half had begun.

The 29-year-old was immediately withdrawn from the pitch after writhing around in agony clutching his knee, but was able to hobble from the field while furiously complaining to the fourth official.

Reports in France now claim Neymar left the stadium early before the match had ended and was escorted away in the back of a van, rather than onto the official team coach.

The Brazilian exiting the ground and could be seen limping, according to L'Equipe journalist David Aiello.

It is reported that Neymar had departed long before his team-mates, and now faces a frantic battle to be fit in time for the emotional Barca showdown on Tuesday, February 16.

'The exams will be carried out tonight or tomorrow morning but the entourage of PSG is pessimistic to go against Barça. Nevertheless at this hour a faint hope remains,' it was added.

'I have no regrets on having chosen to play Neymar,' manager Mauricio Pochettino told Eurosport in the aftermath.

'He was fit to play. These things happen.'

Late on Wednesday night Neymar gave indication that he is now placing all of his hope in a miraculous recovery in the space of six days, after taking to social media platform Twitter to post a cryptic message.

'Honor and glory to God at all times,' wrote Neymar, alongside the symbol of a love heart and praying hands.

Team-mate Moise Kean, who scored the winner in the match, took a more optimistic tone and told reporters in the aftermath: 'All is well, he is ready. Tomorrow, in training, he will recuperate. He will be ready for the match.'