SAO PAULO — Brazil forward Neymar underwent surgery after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty.
The recovery is expected to take between six and 12 months. He is likely to miss the next Copa America, which will be played in the United States in June.
The 31-year-old was forced off during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay two weeks ago before an MRI scan confirmed the extent of his injuries.
The Al-Hilal player was treated in a hospital in Belo Horizonte by Brazil’s national team medical staff, and local media reported he will be discharged on Saturday to begin his recovery, which is expected to last until mid-2024.
Neymar posted a photo on social media of him with his two children and the caption: “Everything will be fine.”
Neymar joined the Saudi Pro League in August for a reported 90 million euros ($96 million), but the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain player only played five games because he was struggling with muscle injuries.
Neymar broke Pele’s Brazil scoring record last month with his 78th goal for his country in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia.
He added his 79th in the same game, which ended in a 5-1 win.
Neymar moved to Saudi Arabia from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth a reported 90 million euros ($98 million).
In March, his season with Paris Saint-Germain ended after he had surgery on his right ankle.
($1 = 0.9414 euros)
