Neymar has sent a defiant “no pain, no gain” message as he works his way back from an ACL injury, but he remains some way off a return to action.
♦ Knee ligament damage suffered in September 2023
♦ South American taking in long road to recovery
♦ Unclear when he will be able to play again
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 32-year-old forward suffered knee ligament damage while on international duty with Brazil in September 2023. He left a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in tears, with it quickly revealed that he would be forced to undergo surgery before starting a lengthy rehabilitation programme
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Neymar is working his way through that – after four months on the sidelines – and is putting work in behind the scenes in order to ensure that he is back as quickly as possible. For now, the Samba star is being restricted to gym sessions.
WHAT NEYMAR SAID
He has posted a “no pain, no gain” update on social media, with the South American prepared to push his body to its limit in order to return raring to go once more. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on a two-year contract in August 2023.
WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?
It remains to be seen when he will play for them again, as questions are asked of his future at club level. The expectation is that the unfortunate injury will prevent him from figuring for Brazil at the 2024 Copa America tournament that will take place in the United States this summer.