Brazil's Neymar ruled out of Copa America with ankle injury

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Brazil v Qatar - Mane Garrincha Stadium, Brasilia, Brazil - June 5, 2019 Brazil’s Neymar during the match REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

(Reuters) - Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out of the Copa America after suffering a serious ankle injury in a 2-0 friendly win over Qatar on Wednesday, the country's soccer federation said in a statement.

Neymar limped off in the 17th minute after he appeared to twist his ankle and was carried to the dressing room with his right ankle wrapped in ice.

"Neymar was evaluated and underwent scans that confirmed a ligament rupture in the ankle," the statement said.

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Brazil v Qatar - Mane Garrincha Stadium, Brasilia, Brazil - June 5, 2019 Brazil’s Neymar leaves the pitch after sustaining an injury REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

"Due to the seriousness of the injury, Neymar will not recover in time to participate in the Copa America in Brazil."

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Brazil v Qatar - Mane Garrincha Stadium, Brasilia, Brazil - June 5, 2019 Brazil’s Neymar gestures during the match REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Nick Mulvenney)