Neymar Setback Hits Santos Survival

It is another blow to Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. when ESPN-centered reports declare that the forward will be sidelined by a new issue in his left knee, which will keep him out of the three remaining league matches of Santos. The 33 year old who has previously said that he would love to play in the 2026 FIFA world cup, is currently struggling with a meniscus injury which not only endangers his short term availability in Santos but also his long term international career.

On Monday, Neymar did not play as Santos made a 1-1 draw against Internacional due to pain in his left knee that he got in the November 19 match against Mirassol. Later medical tests allegedly showed that he had complications with meniscus that is a worrying fact as he already had the same knee operated on twice in the past two years; once to tear his ACL and once to tear his meniscus.

This is the fourth setback of the fitness of Neymar since he came back to Santos in January. Although the injury issues persist, the Santos, who still languish in the bottom of the table having just three games remaining, have not officially reported the extent of the recent problem. According to the announcement of the club president Marcelo Teixeira, the forward took tests in Sao Paulo on Tuesday and the medical staff is working as urgently as possible to know whether he will be able to play in the critical tie on Friday against Sport.

Teixeira highlighted that the club is evaluating all the alternatives it can have to postpone any advanced treatment in the event that it can enable Neymar to play a decisive role during the final part of the Brazilian Championship.