Neymar’s hopes of making Brazil’s World Cup squad have been put at further risk amid reports he faces a 10-match ban over sexist comments.

The Brazilian icon is already facing an uphill battle to reach this summer’s World Cup, which he admits would be his last.

Neymar was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s latest squad, his final selection before he names his travelling party to the tournament.

With the 34-year-old needing to impress for Santos in the coming weeks, Neymar could have put pay to any lingering hopes if he receives a lengthy ban.

Neymar had lashed out at male referee Savio Pereira Sampaio after Santos’ 2-0 win over Remo in Brazil’s Serie A, but will receive a one-game ban after picking up a third yellow card in four games.

‘This card is unfair, I was on the receiving end of a dangerous, unnecessary tackle at the end of the match. It wasn’t the first, but the third or fourth. I went to protest and received a yellow card,’ Neymar began.

‘That’s Savio for you; he woke up kind of ‘on his period’ and came onto the pitch in that state.

‘He wants to be the star of the match, he’s incredibly disrespectful to the players, he doesn’t talk, he doesn’t discuss anything, he’s the kind of guy who dictates the game, who wants to control everything.

‘He needs to learn to manage that, it’s disrespectful.’

Neymar was heard laughing as he said ‘de chico’ during his post-match interview.

According to ESPN Brazil, ‘de chico’ derives from ‘chiqueiro’ – meaning pigsty – and refers to a time when menstruation was associated with something filthy and impure.’

ESPN Brazil journalist Mariana Pereira was among those to criticise Neymar’s remarks on social media.

‘How easy it is to replicate sexist and prejudiced expressions. For years, women have been shamed for menstruating,’ she wrote.

‘A simple BIOLOGICAL process seen as something dirty, hormonal fluctuations and physical pains invalidated. There are those who defend it.’