Brazil’s Neymar underwent successful surgery at a hospital in Qatar on his right ankle after suffering an injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the year.
The 31-year-old was forced off the field last month during PSG’s Ligue 1 match against rival Lille due to an ankle injury.
The Brazilian magician scored in the tense 4-3 victory, but he landed awkwardly after a tackle in the 51st minute and required extensive treatment before being carried away.
Neymar was seen arriving at Aspetar Hospital in Doha at the crack of dawn on Friday, and the procedure was over in a matter of hours.
“Neymar Jr was successfully operated on late this morning,” Paris Saint-Germain said in a statement. “The player will now follow a protocol of rest and treatment.” The operation was led by British surgeon, James Calder, who has treated several European football stars.
As reported by Mirror Football, Neymar suffered the same ankle injury during Brazil’s World Cup game against Serbia in Qatar.
It was reported initially the playmaker had suffered a sprained ankle, but further tests suggest he has weakened his ligaments, which – if not treated – might end his career. Neymar spent two years sidelined Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona in a move worth €222 million in the summer of 2017.
His latest injury, which has sidelined him for four months, means he has been out of action for PSG for 731 days, equivalent to two full years, as per Marca.
I'll come back stronger 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VBTH9MME02
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) March 6, 2023
Neymar failed to play 104 matches in a PSG shirt in all competitions, making only 173 appearances. This means he has been injured in approximately 37.5 percent of the games in which he has been available for the Parisian club.
Neymar keen on PSG extension
Sports Brief also reported on Neymar reportedly having unfinished business at PSG and not being willing to leave even if close ally, Lionel Messi departs.
The Argentine genius has been touted to be on his way out despite only linking up with his former Barcelona teammate at the Ligue 1 champions in 2021. However, Neymar wants to win over his critics and is eager to help deliver long-awaited European glory to PSG by winning the UEFA Champions League.