Neymar out for months suffering ACL & meniscus tear

In a significant setback for Brazilian football star Neymar, a devastating blow came following Brazil's loss to Uruguay in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Confirming the worst fears of fans, it has been officially announced that Neymar has torn his ACL and meniscus in his left knee, as reported by his club, Al-Hilal.

During the match against Uruguay, Neymar suffered excruciating pain and was subsequently carried off the field on a stretcher. While the exact duration of his absence remains unconfirmed, reports suggest that he is scheduled for surgery and subsequent treatment. The recovery period for ACL injuries typically extends to at least seven months, contingent on the severity of the injury and the individual player's progress.

Coincidentally, this seven-month recovery period aligns precisely with the commencement of the 2024 Copa America, set to kick off on June 20. This unfortunate timing adds an additional layer of complexity to Neymar's rehabilitation journey.

It is essential to note that Neymar had only recently returned from an ankle surgery in July. The player has been plagued by various injuries, including fractures in both ankles, ribs, lower back, and multiple muscle tears. In light of these past setbacks, Neymar expressed his feelings via Twitter, stating, "It's a very sad moment, the worst of my life." "It’s not easy to get injured, undergo surgery and then… do it again just four months later."

According to ESPN, Neymar has missed a staggering 530 days of football due to nine injuries sustained since 2018, illustrating the adverse impact on his career.

The news of Neymar's injury paints a gloomy picture for the 31-year-old player, the Brazilian national team, and Al-Hilal, who invested a substantial 90 million euros in acquiring the Brazilian talent. This unfortunate turn of events is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the season, placing a considerable burden on the club.

For Brazil, the absence of Neymar presents a unique challenge, as the national squad has been constructed around the star player for years. The question that arises is whether a new talent will emerge to fill Neymar's shoes, liberating the team from the dependence on a single player. Alternatively, will Brazil hold out hope for Neymar's swift recovery to make a triumphant return for the 2024 Copa America?

In this trying period, the football world awaits further updates on Neymar's recovery journey and the impact it may have on the future of Brazilian football.