Jordan Amavi Says Neymar Encourages Fouls Following Injury Against Marseille

Marseille defender Jordan Amavi has accused Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar of encouraging fouls against him following his injury in Sunday's showdown between the two sides. 

Neymar is set for a spell on the sidelines after he broke a metatarsal and sprained his ankle following a tackle from Bouna Sarr in the showdown at the Parc des Princes, per Sky Sports News. It means the Brazilian is set to miss PSG's key UEFA Champions League showdown with Real Madrid next week.

Despite the serious nature of the injury, Amavi has claimed Neymar is culpable in these types of incidents because of his playing style.

"We played normally against Neymar. I found him looking for things [fouls]," said the left-back, per ESPN FC. "I am just telling you what I saw on the pitch. He waited for us to press and then released the ball at the last minute. What did he expect? Personally, I do not know, I think he was looking for things though. He reaped a little of what he sowed."

Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Since the contest between these two rivals, which the Parisian side won 3-0 to extend their lead to 14 points at the summit of Ligue 1, PSG skipper Thiago Silva has suggested Marseille players made it clear they were going to be rougher than usual against the flamboyant Brazilian.

"It's a shame," said Neymar's compatriot, per Neil McLeman of the Daily Mirror. "[Dimitri] Payet said to the referee that he wanted to hurt. That is not football."

As relayed by Jonathon Johnson of ESPN FC, Neymar is set to miss a crucial spell of the 2017-18 season:

After the challenge Neymar was stretchered off the pitch in tears and was seen leaving the Parc des Princes on crutches, as noted by the Get French Football News Twitter account. Here's a look at the incident in question, per Goal USA:

While matches involving PSG and Marseille are often feisty affairs due to the longstanding rivalry between the two clubs—Neymar was sent off at the Stade Velodrome earlier in the campaign—the challenge on the Brazilian was innocuous from Sarr.

Neymar does get his fair share of kicks, though, as his showboating and flair tends to rile opposition. However, it's something the forward has had to cope with throughout his career at Santos and Barcelona.

As relayed by ESPN FC, Neymar's quick feet and blistering speed mean he is frequently on the end of fouls from opponents:

The worry for PSG is that by the time their star man returns, their hopes of European glory may be over this season. After all, they trail Real Madrid 3-1 from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 showdown.

Plenty were excited to see if Neymar, after a disappointing performance in the first game between the two sides, was capable of inspiring his team to a turnaround in the tie. But when he returns, PSG may only have a domestic treble to play for in the remaining months of 2017-18.