Neymar is set to miss the rest of the campaign after having knee surgery following his torn ACL while on Brazil duty, according to reports.
The star forward, who only joined Saudi outfit Al-Hilal in a £130m-a-year deal in August, is expected to face ten months on the sidelines following his operation on Thursday, according to Goal, in a major blow to his new club.
Neymar was Al-Hilal’s biggest signing of the summer and immediately installed as the main face of the club but they will have to manage without his services and the player will now start a long road to recovery.
He posted a photograph of himself from hospital following his procedure, saying: ‘Everything will be fine. Thank you for the messages and now I focus on recovery.’
The player’s father had posted a video of Neymar being observed by doctors in the hospital to update fans on his progress before uploading another picture of him in his bed with the caption: ‘Thank you Lord! Everything is alright… now, strength and patience in recovery.’
Neymar is expected to miss the next ten months after having surgery on his knee – but assured fans ‘everything will be fine’
The Al-Hilal forward suffered a ruptured ACL and a meniscus tear in his left knee on Brazil duty
The 31-year-old was taken off at half-time during Brazil’s loss to Uruguay and looked in agony
Neymar’s target will be to return for the Copa America, which begins next June.
Earlier this month, his club Al-Hilal confirmed his injury blow posted on X, formerly called Twitter: ‘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.’
He collapsed after competing for the ball with Nicolas de la Cruz in the 44th minute, holding his left leg in pain and calling for medical attention as his team-mates looked on anxiously.
The 31-year-old was taken off via a stretcher on wheels at half-time in clear agony and was pictured with a leg brace after the game.
This year has already been a difficult one for Neymar with regards to injuries.
He signed for Al-Hilal in the summer for £78million on a £130m-per-season contract
His final season at PSG was blighted by a right ankle injury in February which required surgery and meant that he played no more games for the French giants.
Neymar’s last game at PSG was the 4-3 win over Lille in February, during which he had to be stretchered off due to the injury.
This summer, he completed a £78m move to Al-Hilal and was welcomed by a grand ceremony.
Around 60,000 fans welcomed the Brazilian in a show with fireworks, flashing lights, and words emblazoned in the sky: ‘Neymar is Blue’.
It was a major investment in a major player, but for now, Neymar is once again confined to the sidelines.
