World Cup contender Neymar risks missing Santos‘ final three league matches of the season due to a knee issue, as reported by ESPN.
The Brazilian striker was absent from Monday’s 1-1 league tie at Internacional as a safety measure after feeling discomfort in his left knee during the match against Mirassol on Nov. 19th.
According to ESPN, scans performed on Tuesday indicated that Neymar, 33, is suffering from a left meniscus injury.
Two years ago, he underwent surgery on his left knee to repair an ACL tear and a meniscus tear.
Santos, currently facing relegation, has not officially acknowledged Neymar’s latest injury, marking his fourth fitness issue since returning to his childhood club in January.
Nevertheless, club president Marcelo Teixeira disclosed that the player underwent tests on Tuesday and stated that Santos’ medical staff is racing against time to determine if he can participate in Friday’s league match against Sport.
«He underwent an examination today in São Paulo,» Teixeira commented. «I spoke with the medical team, and they are exploring options for him to take part in this match [Sport]. The doctor hasn’t yet spoken to Neymar, but he will converse with him tomorrow.
«There will be a meeting tomorrow morning to evaluate the situation. We will explore how we can postpone any necessary procedures, if required, to allow Neymar to still play in the Brazilian Championship.»
Santos finds themselves in the relegation zone, just one position and one point from safety with three matches left.
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Fitness challenges have hindered Neymar’s consistent playing time at Santos, while for Brazil, he has not appeared since October 2023, following an ACL injury.
Neymar, Brazil’s leading all-time goal scorer, aspires to play in his fourth World Cup in 2026. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti recently mentioned that Neymar must maintain good physical condition to be considered for the squad.
Information from Adriana Garcia was utilized in this report.
