20 October,2023 08:01 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Injured Neymar Jr during Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images
Brazil and Al-Hilal forward Neymar will have surgery after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during the match against Uruguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The 31-year-old was taken off on a stretcher in tears during the 2-0 defeat by Uruguay on Tuesday after he landed awkwardly after a challenge in the first half of the match.
Also Read: Barcelona prez charged over referee scandal
"It's a very sad moment, the worst. I know I'm strong but this time I'll need my [family and friends] even more. It's not easy going through injury and surgery, imagine going through all that again after 4 months of recovery..." Neymar wrote on Instagram.
ALSO READ
Messi to kick off opener, Neymar to face Real Madrid
Pelé''s former club Santos returns to the top tier of Brazilian soccer with an eye on Neymar
Injured Neymar to miss two weeks of training
Neymar returns after over a year as Al Hilal beat Al Ain
Neymar back after a year out and helps Al-Hilal in Asian Champions League
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal did not say how long the 31-year-old is expected to be out for. "Medical examinations have revealed player Neymar Jr suffered a cut in the ACL and cartilage, to undergo surgery later, and a treatment program to determine its duration after the operation," Al-hilal said in a statement on social media.
Neymar, a leading goal scorer for Brazil's men's national team, who made a transfer to Saudi Arabia during the summer from Paris St-Germain, has encountered difficulties with injuries in the recent past. He was absent from two World Cup matches in Qatar last year due to an injury sustained during Brazil's first game against Serbia.
"Brazilian and world football needs Neymar well and recovered because football is happier when he is on the field," said Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues in a statement.
The Brazilian forward had experienced extended periods of absence in his last two seasons with PSG due to various ankle injuries. Furthermore, his final season in France was curtailed in February as a result of ankle surgery.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
