Brazilian forward Neymar underwent surgery on November 2 to address a significant injury to his left knee, which included a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage. This injury occurred while he was representing his national team in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, causing him to leave the field two weeks ago. Subsequent MRI scans confirmed the seriousness of his condition.
Neymar, who currently plays for Al-Hilal, received medical treatment from the medical staff of the Brazilian national team at a hospital in Belo Horizonte. Local media reports indicate that he is expected to be released from the hospital on November 4, marking the beginning of his recovery process. The recovery is estimated to extend until mid-2024.
Neymar shared a photo on social media with his two children and the caption, "Everything will be fine."
"We were very satisfied with the results," Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said in a brief statement.
"It was a success. He will remain in hospital for another 24 or 48 hours depending on his clinical progress."
Lasmar stated that the next steps in Neymar's recovery involve rehabilitation and physiotherapy but did not specify when he will be able to return to play for Al Hilal.
According to experts, it might take Neymar up to eight months to fully recover from his injury, which could mean he won't be able to participate in the Copa America scheduled for June and July in the United States.
Neymar made a high-profile transfer to the Saudi Pro League in August, for a reported fee of 90 million euros ($96 million), but his time with the team has been marked by a series of muscle injuries, which have limited his appearances to only five games.
Neymar was scheduled to participate in India for the group-stage ACL match on November 6. Mumbai City FC had gone as far as reserving the significantly larger DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to accommodate the high level of excitement among the fans for the match.
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