Neymar nightmare! Al-Hilal star suffers major setback
Cameron Smith
- 18 Oct 2023 07:24 BST
- 3 min read
Al-Hilal superstar Neymar has suffered a major injury blow whilst on international duty with Brazil as he was stretchered off against Uruguay in first-half stoppage time.
Brazil were losing 1-0 at the time, thanks to a goal from Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, and Fernando Diniz’s side eventually lost 2-0 after Nicolas de la Cruz doubled Uruguay’s lead in the 77th minute.
It means Brazil have fallen to third place in CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 Qualification, with Argentina and Uruguay ahead of them.
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Neymar had been fairly absent in the game before his injury, with the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain failing to produce a shot or a key pass during his time on the field.
Nonetheless, Neymar’s injury will come as a hammer blow to Diniz if he is ruled out for a significant period of time. Brazil’s next World Cup qualifier comes against Colombia on 17 November and it remains to be seen if Neymar will be fit in time to play.
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What has been said?
Neymar was in tears as he left the pitch on a stretcher after suffering a knee injury in the dying embers of the first-half. The Al-Hilal forward was later seen on crutches following the match, while Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar provided an update after the match.
He said, as per ESPN: “These 24 hours will be important to see how the knee will respond, how will be the swelling," Lasmar said. "Imaging tests that will define a definitive diagnosis. It's too early to say [if it's a ligament injury]. Let's wait for the exams calmly, evaluate calmly, and as soon as we have a definition we will let you know."
Neymar did not speak to the media following Brazil’s loss, but he did post on Instagram Stories with the caption: “God knows about all things.
“All the honour and all the glory will always be yours, my Lord. No matter what, I have faith.”
Neymar has made just five appearances for Al-Hilal since he became the Saudi Pro League’s most expensive signing in history (€90m) during the summer. The Brazilian has one goal and three assists for his new club.
