Neymar’s visit to India ruled out after ACL injury with Brazil

The Brazilian superstar sustained a devastating injury during the recent World Cup qualifiers.

Neymar is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a horrendous injury while representing the Brazilian national team at the recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Tests conducted on him suggest that he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee during the clash with Uruguay on Tuesday.

The injury reported was announced by Brazil’s football confederation (CBF) on Wednesday.

As a result, the 31-year-old who now plies his trade with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia will undergo surgery. The date is yet to be confirmed. However, sources inside the Brazilian dressing room have reported that Neymar could be out for the rest of the season as the injury is set to keep him away from the field for at least eight months.

The Copa America 2024, which will be hosted in the United States next summer, could be when Neymar returns to the fold.

“Neymar Jr. of the Brazilian team and Al-Hilal, from Saudi Arabia, underwent clinical and imaging tests this Wednesday, which confirmed the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee," Brazil's Football Confederation said in a statement.

"The striker will undergo a surgical procedure, on a date yet to be defined, to correct the injuries. The Brazilian National Team's medical department, under the supervision of Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, and Al Hilal, are in permanent contact and aligned in the player's recovery."

The latest injury has played spoilsport to what looked like a visit of India in November. Neymar’s club Al Hilal have been drawn in the same group as Mumbai City FC in the AFC Champions League and the two sides will be facing each other at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on November 6.

But with the latest injury, Neymar’s participation has been completely ruled out.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar tripped and fell during a trademark dribbling run in the 44^th minute of a 2-0 loss to Uruguay at the Centenario Stadium. He immediately crutched his left knee in pain and was surrounded by players from both sides.

He was eventually carried off the pitch on a stretcher and was replaced by Richarlison.

In a message on Instagram, Neymar said that he feels strong but will need the support and strength from his family and friends in order to bounce back from this latest setback.

"It's a very sad moment, the worst," Neymar wrote. "I know I'm strong but this time I'm going to need my family and friends even more. It's not easy to go through injury and surgery. Imagine going through it all again after 4 months of recovery."

He is the all-time men’s top scorer for Brazil with 79 goals in 129 appearances, but has been unfortunate with injuries lately. He twisted his ankle during a game against Lille in February, sustaining ligament damage, just three months after he suffered a similar problem at the Qatar World Cup.

Neymar was also criticised by media and fans for his below par performance against Venezuela in the previous World Cup match. He was hit by a bag of popcorn from the stands after the 1-1 draw at home.