Al-Hilal forward Neymar will undergo surgery after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
The 31-year-old, who landed awkwardly after a challenge in the first half, was taken off on a stretcher in tears during the 2-0 defeat by Uruguay at the Centenario Stadium on Tuesday
His Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal on Thursday announced that the Brazilian superstar tore his ACL and meniscus.
“The medical tests “NEYMAR ” underwent, confirmed the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus tear injury in his knee, he will be going through surgery and then a treatment program that will be determined later… Return Stronger @neymarjr 💙 #AlHilal,” the club said in a statement.
According to a BBC report, it is unclear how long Neymar will be out due to injury but the usual prognosis for recovery from an ACL rupture or tear can be up to eight to 10 months.
The injury means Neymar will miss the match against Mumbai City FC in the AFC Champions League on November 6. Notbaly, Mumbai City FC had even booked a much-larger DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to cater to the fan frenzy surrounding the match.
He was immediately attended to by the medical team and was subsequently carried off the field on a stretcher. As he was being taken away, he clasped his hands to his face, clearly overwhelmed by the pain and disappointment.
The 31-year-old Neymar also took to Instagram to share a message for his fans.
“It’s a very sad time, the worst. I know I’m strong, but this time I’m going to need my family and friends even more,” Neymar wrote on Instagram.
Neymarm, who moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer from Paris St-Germain, has struggled with injuries in recent years. He missed two World Cup games in Qatar last year after he was injured in Brazil’s opener against Serbia.