Neymar Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery

Neymar has undergone successful arthroscopic surgery on his knee and the winger aims to return to full fitness and be included in the Brazil squad for next year’s World Cup, his club Santos said on Monday.

The 33-year-old returned to boyhood club Santos in January and played a key role in their survival in Brazil’s top-flight league, playing through pain and scoring five goals in their last four games.

In a statement on Monday, Santos said the surgery was performed by Rodrigo Lasmar, the doctor of the Brazilian national team.

“Arthroscopy was performed to treat the medial meniscus injury. The surgery was successful and the athlete is in good condition,” they added.

Santos did not offer a timeline for his return, although Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte reported that his recovery would take up to a month.

Neymar, Brazil’s top scorer with 79 goals, has not been able to play in the team that has won the World Cup five times since 2023 due to consecutive injuries.

In October, national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti said he needed to be fit if he wanted to be recalled to the squad to participate in the World Cup to be held in Canada, Mexico and the USA from 11 June to 19 July.

Brazil will face Scotland, 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco and Haiti in Group C.