Neymar’s Determination Amid Injury Concerns as Santos Faces Relegation Battle

Neymar is prepared to endure discomfort to assist Santos in their struggle against relegation, as reported by sources to ESPN.

The Brazilian forward missed Monday’s 1-1 league draw against Internacional due to precautionary measures following discomfort in his left knee from the match against Mirassol on November 19th.

According to information from ESPN Brasil, Neymar, 33, may require arthroscopic surgery at the end of the season to address a meniscus injury in his left knee.

In a departure from medical advice, Neymar participated in training with Santos on Wednesday and could potentially be included in the lineup for the upcoming league match against Sport on Friday.

Although Neymar is keen to play, Santos’ medical team has advised against it, advocating for continued conservative treatment to ensure his return for the last two league matches against Juventude and Cruzeiro.

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira remains optimistic about Neymar’s availability for Friday but emphasizes that no decision will compromise the player’s health.

“It’s about expectation and hope,” Teixeira stated. “I’m neither a doctor nor responsible for medical decisions, which should be left to the health professionals. As I mentioned, he trained well and reported no discomfort, but further evaluations will be needed. It is the club’s medical staff that will make the final call.

“There is a possibility, and that’s our hope, but nothing will be done that might jeopardize the player or Santos. We want to ensure our players are prepared for a fight like this.”

Currently, Santos finds themselves in the relegation zone, just one point and one position away from safety.

Neymar previously underwent surgery on his left knee to reconstruct an ACL tear and a torn meniscus two years ago. His fitness has been a concern since his return to the club in January, especially as he aims to participate in his fourth World Cup next year.

This report includes contributions from Adriana Garcia of ESPN.