AfriPulse
Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that Neymar will remain out of action until November following his latest injury setback, raising fresh concerns over his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 33-year-old, who has battled recurring fitness problems in recent years, is recovering from a thigh injury that has further hampered his campaign with Santos.
Despite scoring six goals in 21 appearances, Neymar’s impact has been limited, and his prolonged absence leaves Santos battling without their star man in a crucial stage of the season.
Santos fight relegation
The Sao Paulo club currently sit just five points clear of the relegation zone after a 2-2 draw with Bragantino.
Neymar faces six weeks out to recover from thigh injury – Getty image
With Neymar sidelined, Santos face a difficult run of fixtures as they aim to secure survival in the Brazilian top flight.
Long-term injury struggles
Neymar’s injury record has raised doubts about his ability to return to peak form. He tore his ACL while playing for Brazil against Uruguay in October 2023, an injury that ended his short spell at Al-Hilal and kept him out for a year.
Since returning to Santos, the forward has struggled to maintain consistency due to recurring setbacks.
Brazil’s World Cup concern
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been cautious about Neymar’s national team involvement, recently excluding him from World Cup qualifiers.
Ancelotti insisted that the player must focus on regaining full fitness before targeting the 2026 World Cup.
“I want him to be really well to be able to play,” Ancelotti said. “He can participate in the World Cup if he is physically well. From a technical point of view, there is no discussion. His objective must be to be ready in June.”
Rehabilitation timeline
Neymar’s rehabilitation is expected to continue for at least six more weeks, with Santos hopeful he can return in December for the final league fixtures.
For Brazil, the bigger question is whether their No.10 can recover in time to play a crucial role at the World Cup in North America.
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