Neymar has admitted he is going through the “worst” moment of his career after tearing his ACL during international duty with Brazil.
The 31-year-old was stretchered off during first-half stoppage time in Brazil’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay earlier this week and his club, Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal, have now confirmed he has torn his ACL and meniscus in his knee.
“The medical tests Neymar underwent confirmed the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus tear injury in his knee,” a statement read. “He will be going through surgery and then a treatment programme that will be determined later.”
Having undergone ankle surgery earlier this year, Neymar took to social media to reflect on the challenges 2023 has posed to him.
“It’s a very sad moment, the worst,” he wrote on X. “I know I’m strong but this time I’m going to need my friends (family and friends) even more.
“It’s not easy to go through injury and surgery, imagine going through it all again after four months of recovery.
“I have faith, too much. But I place the strength in God’s hands so that he can renew mine. Thank you for the messages of support and affection.”
Neymar now faces a battle to recover in time to play a role in Brazil’s 2024 Copa America campaign. The tournament will begin on June 20, 2024, giving the 31-year-old just eight months to recover from surgery.
Al Hilal paid €90m (£78m) to sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer and the winger managed one goal and three assists in his first five games for the club, but his debut season appears to have come to an abrupt end.
What we know
- Neymar was stretchered off during Brazil’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay
- Winger underwent ankle surgery earlier this year
- Al Hilal paid £78m to sign him from PSG in the summer.
