Brazil issue Neymar recovery update after ACL surgery as Ederson withdraws from squad

The forward ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and suffered meniscus damage last month

Rodrigo Viga Gaier,Angelica Medina
Tuesday 14 November 2023 11:15 GMT
Comments
Neymar was carried off on a stretcher in tears after suffering a serious knee injury on international duty in October
Neymar was carried off on a stretcher in tears after suffering a serious knee injury on international duty in October (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Brazil forward Neymar is recovering well from the knee surgery he had after suffering an injury last month but there is still no forecast of when he will be able to return to action.

Neymar ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty. He underwent surgery earlier this month in a Belo Horizonte hospital.

The 31-year-old is responding “very well” but the recovery will be long and he must focus on the process, Lasmar told a press conference at Brazil’s training center in Teresopolis.

“He’s shown, from the first moment that he’s following what we’re proposing. He knows that it’s a process that he’s going to need all of us, physiotherapist, fitness trainer, so that we can have Neymar (back) as soon as possible,” said the doctor.

National team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who carried out the surgery, said it was not yet possible to set a date for the Al-Hilal player’s return.

“Injuries are individual. In general, there are associated injuries that can be just as important, such as a meniscus injury. All this makes the procedure more complex, with a slower recovery period. That’s why we don’t talk about a timescale,” he said.

Neymar joined the Saudi Pro League in August for a reported €90m (£78.4m), but the former Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain forward only played five games because he was struggling with muscle injuries.

Brazil, who sit third in the South American World Cup qualifying standings with seven points, face fifth-placed Colombia, with six points, on Thursday. They host leaders Argentina, who have 12 points, the following Tuesday.

Lasmar also said goalkeeper Ederson had withdrawn from the squad due to an injury he sustained playing for Manchester City in their 4-4 draw at Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has been forced to pull out of the Brazil squad
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has been forced to pull out of the Brazil squad (Getty Images)

“He suffered trauma to his foot in the final minutes and was able to continue the match but the pain became intense. The foot became swollen, making it difficult to walk,” Lasmar said.

Athletico Paranaense keeper Bento has been called up to replace him in the Brazil squad.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in