Neymar’s Injury Dilemma: A Critical Moment for Santos

The former Barcelona star has endured a season plagued by injuries, recently making his return from a hamstring issue. This week, it was reported that Neymar is experiencing discomfort in his knee, which ruled him out of the recent 1-1 draw against Internacional. Santos currently finds themselves precariously positioned just above the relegation zone, sitting in 17th place in the Brasileiro Serie A with three matches left to play.

Following this important draw, Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda discussed the plans for their key player, stating, “The plan is for him to be in the match against Sport. I need to communicate with him, as I am not physically present with him, and I will respect Neymar’s decisions. Nevertheless, he is committed to being there; he always wants to play. Before the Mirassol game, he experienced discomfort in his knee, and he felt it during the match as well. The following day, he reported significant pain in that knee. We understand that we have games every three days, and with travel, we will arrive in Santos tomorrow afternoon. He is a player we need for all three rounds, and he will contribute significantly; he is our leader on the field. However, he felt that he would not be able to meet the game’s demands today.”

Recent training footage from Santos shows Neymar participating with his teammates, although it is evident that he is not at full capacity. According to Globo, he is suffering from a tear in the meniscus region of his left knee, with medical professionals recommending an arthroscopy—a minimally invasive procedure to examine and possibly repair the injury. This condition reportedly causes Neymar ‘persistent pain’ during exercise, yet he is considering playing ‘in sacrifice’ for Santos.

Further reports indicate that Neymar’s knee is at risk of significant damage upon any major impact, leading doctors to advise against playing or training until he undergoes surgery. Committing to this procedure would likely end his season, sidelining him for approximately a month. Notably, during recent team training, Neymar avoided contact and used support on his left knee, raising concerns that failure to rest could exacerbate his injury, potentially affecting his eligibility for the Brazil national team in March.

Despite these challenges, Neymar is reportedly weighing his options, particularly as Santos faces the possibility of relegation. Since rejoining Santos in early 2025 after his contract with Al-Hilal was canceled, the former Paris Saint-Germain player has had a mixed second stint at his boyhood club. His performance has been lackluster, featuring seven goals and three assists in 25 appearances across all competitions. With his contract set to expire at the end of the year, if he opts for surgery, it may mark his last appearance for the club.

Santos is determined to retain him, but that prospect becomes increasingly unlikely if they do not remain in the Brazilian top-flight. Their next match against Sport Recife, currently at the bottom of the division, is critical. This encounter is essential for Santos, especially as Fortaleza has recently gained momentum, winning two consecutive matches and closing in on the Brazilian giants by just one point. The situation is indeed critical for both Santos and Neymar.