Neymar makes a strong return to FIFA World Cup hopes following successful recovery from knee injury.

Neymar has successfully undergone arthroscopic knee surgery as he embarks on a journey to reclaim his spot in the FIFA World Cup next year. The former Barcelona player returned to Santos in January and has shown impressive form, netting five goals in his last five matches.

Santos announced that the procedure was conducted by Rodrigo Lasmar, the doctor for the Brazilian national team.

“An arthroscopy was performed to address a medial meniscus injury. The surgery was successful, and the athlete is recovering well,” they stated.
Santos has not specified a timeline for his recovery; however, Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte reported that it might take up to a month.

Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has been sidelined since 2023 due to a series of injuries.

In October, national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti indicated that Neymar must regain his fitness to be considered for selection for the World Cup taking place from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Brazil is set to compete against Scotland, 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, and Haiti in Group C.

(With Reuters inputs)