Brazil have confirmed that Neymar will undergo surgery after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee.
The 31-year-old had to be taken off on a stretcher during the first half of Brazil’s 2-0 loss against Uruguay in Montevideo and was replaced by Tottenham’s Richarlison.
Scans have since revealed the extent of Neymar’s injury. His club, Al Hilal, confirmed that “he will be going through surgery and then a treatment program that will be determined later”.
Neymar only recently recovered from a long-term ankle injury that sidelined him during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. He then joined Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia during the summer and played five matches before the international break, scoring one goal.
Neymar wrote on Instagram: “It’s a very sad moment, the worst. I know I’m strong but this time I’m going to need my family and friends even more. It’s not easy to go through injury and surgery, imagine going through it all again after 4 months of recovery.”
The forward will face a race to be fit for the 2024 Copa America, which takes place in the United States between June 20 and July 14. Brazil finished as runners up during the 2021 tournament.
Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues added: “Brazilian and world football needs Neymar well and recovered, because football is happier when he is on the field.
“Neymar can count on my friendship and also on all the support of the entity.”
(Photo: Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images)
