Neymar appears to have sustained a season-ending injury in Brazil’s defeat to Uruguay on Wednesday, October 17, 2023.
The Brazilian had to be carted off the field during his country’s 2-0 loss in 2026 World Cup qualification encounter against Uruguay.
Neymar was seen groaning in pain on the turf, after clumsily planting his foot while trying to win a ball moments before the end of the first 45.
The 31-year-old could be seen in tears as he departed the pitch and was stretched away to the locker room.
When will Neymar Jr return from injury?
It is unknown how long he will be out of action, or the extent of the injury he sustained, but thorough examinations will be done to ascertain that.
The former Barcelona winger joined Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal from Paris Saint Germain on August 15, 2023.
Neymar joined the Pro League club injured and he had only returned to action a few weeks ago.
His debut for Al Hilal was delayed due to injury, and he has also been particularly unimpressive since joining the club.
Neymar has made 5 appearances for the Pro League club this season, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists across all competitions.
The 31-year-old has battled injuries in the past few years and that also blighted his performances at previous club Paris Saint Germain.
The Brazil top-scorer recently welcomed a daughter with girlfriend Bruna Biancardi, amid some underground turmoil in his relationship.
Neymar with Brazil
Neymar became the all-time goalscorer for Brazil in September, breaking the record of the legendary Pele.
The ex-Santos forward has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for the Selecao Canarinha, and he has had a relatively successful national team career.
Neymar won the 2016 Summer Olympics with Brazil, and he also won the FIFA Confederations Cup title in 2013.
It is uncertain if he will feature for Fernando Diniz’s side in subsequent 2026 World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for November.
Brazil face Colombia on Friday, November 17, 2023, and Argentina on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
Brazil sit comfortably in 3rd in the Qualification standings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States Of America, New Zealand, and Mexico.
The Selecao Canarinha crashed out in the quarter-final of the 2022 edition of the World Cup, and they will be aiming to return to glory in 2026.
Brazil last won the FIFA World Cup in 2002, with legendary names like Ronaldo Delima, Ronaldinho, Cafu, and Kaka amongst others leading them to glory in Korea/Japan.
The South American nation are the most successful footballing nation in the history of the FIFA World Cup, with 5 titles to their name.
Neymar will be hoping to lead his teammates to glory at the 2026 edition to be played in the United States Of America, Mexico, and New Zealand.
