Neymar Faces Fresh Leg Injury, Santos Reports

Synopsis

Santos forward Neymar has sustained a new leg muscle injury, complicating his efforts to regain full fitness. This latest setback follows a series of injuries since his return from a previous ACL tear. Neymar will undergo treatment and monitoring as he strives to return to the pitch.

Key Takeaways

Neymar diagnosed with a new leg muscle injury.
Injury occurred during Santos' match against Atletico Mineiro.
Coach Cesar Sampaio expresses hope for a quick recovery.
This injury is not a reoccurrence of past issues.
Neymar has faced multiple injuries since returning from ACL surgery.

Rio de Janeiro, April 19 (NationPress) Santos forward Neymar has been diagnosed with a new leg muscle injury, as confirmed by the club on Friday, representing the latest hurdle in his ongoing battle to achieve full fitness.

The 33-year-old had to leave the field in the 34th minute during Santos' 2-0 win over Atletico Mineiro on Wednesday, with subsequent tests revealing damage to the semimembranosus, one of the hamstring muscles, according to reports from Xinhua.

“It’s still too early to provide any definitive answers; we don’t have a diagnosis yet,” stated Santos coach Cesar Sampaio. “Now we must hope that this isn’t something that will sideline him for an extended period.”

In a statement released on its official website, Santos clarified that this latest injury is not a recurrence of an earlier issue.

“The number 10 has already begun treatment and ... will continue with muscle strengthening exercises,” Santos mentioned, without offering any estimated recovery timeline.

Neymar has faced a series of soft-tissue injuries since his return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament last October, following a year of inactivity.

A brief return to form earned the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star a call-up to the national team for World Cup qualifiers in March, but he was later withdrawn due to another muscle injury. The 33-year-old has not played for Brazil since October 2023 due to a knee injury and was replaced by teenage Real Madrid forward Endrick.

“He will be periodically reevaluated for monitoring and new treatment plans,” Santos said in the statement. “It was understood that these complications could arise, given the period of inactivity.”

Neymar has made eight appearances for Santos and scored three goals since returning to the club from Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal.