Tests show surgery will likely keep him out of season
Brazilian soccer star Neymar (Alhilal) is going under the knife with a torn cruciate ligament. He is expected to be out for the season.
"Neymar underwent a medical examination in São Paulo and is scheduled to undergo surgery," the Brazilian Football Confederation announced on Monday (Sept. 19).
Neymar suffered the injury in the first half of Uruguay's South American qualifier for the FIFA Confederations Cup North and Central America 2026 at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Aug. 18.
He went down in a contest with an opponent and was stretchered off in pain. He had a very bad expression on his face as he realized the seriousness of his injury. Tests revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee.
"Very sad," Neymar wrote on social media, "Worst time. Worst time," he wrote on social media.
"I know I am strong, but this time I will need more help from my family and friends. It's not easy to go through injuries and surgeries. Imagine going through this again in four months after recovery."
According to Spanish media outlets such as Sport, he is expected to miss at least several months. Even if he returns to full fitness, he could be out for the season.
Despite this, Neymar said: "I have faith. Thank you for the messages of support and love for me," he said.
Upon learning of the injury, former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain teammate Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) posted a photo with Neymar and wished him "strength".
Neymar left Paris Saint-Germain in August to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. He suffered a major injury just two months after joining his new team. 19가이드03