19th October, 2023
Neymar will undergo surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil.
The attacker, 31, was carried from the pitch on a stretcher during Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
He fell during a run in the 44th minute at the Centenario Stadium and was immediately surrounded by players from both teams as he held his left knee.
A Brazilian Football Confederation statement said: “Neymar, of the Brazilian team and Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia, underwent clinical and imaging tests this Wednesday, which confirmed the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee.
“The striker will undergo a surgical procedure, on a date yet to be defined, to correct the injuries.
“The Brazilian national team’s medical department, under the supervision of Dr Rodrigo Lasmar and Al-Hilal, are in permanent contact and aligned in the player’s recovery.”
In a social media post, Al-Hilal their superstar, who had only recently recovered from a problem with his right ankle, to “return stronger”.
Neymar was also hit by a bag of popcorn thrown by a supporter following a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Venezuela.
Responding to criticism of that performance, he said: “I don’t come here on vacation, much less to go for a walk. I came to do what I love most, which is to play football and defend my country.
“Obviously, we are there doing our best, giving our best, and often the result doesn’t come.”
Brazil will now be without their star man for next month’s World Cup qualifiers with Colombia and Argentina — and beyond.