Brazilian superstar Neymar has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will go under the knife, with his recovery period currently unknown.
The 31-year-old was stretchered off the field during his countries 2-0 defeat to Uruguay, landing in an awkward fashion during the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Neymar was in tears as he left the field and ESPN is reporting Brazil’s medical staff believe he could return in eight months before next year’s Copa America.
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“Striker Neymar Jr. 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,” Brazil’s Football Confederation said in a statement.
“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.”
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time men’s top goal scorer, finding the next 79 times in his 129 appearances.
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Brazil currently sit in third in the South Ameircan World Cup qualifying standings and have clashes against Colombia and Argentina in the coming months.
Neymar will now also be sidelined for the Saudi Pro League, with Al Hilal spending over $160m AUD to secure his services in August.
Neymar has battled with multiple injuries in recent seasons, sitting out for several months over his last two years at PSG due to various ankle blows.
He also broke a bone in his back in the 2014 World Cup, hosted by Brazil, after an ugly challenge in the quarter final against Colombia.
While Brazil won that game, they went on to lose 7-1 to Germany without their talismanic winger.