Brazilian star Neymar has reportedly suffered another injury setback as his bid to be part of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad hangs in the balance.
The 33-year-old had recently returned from a hamstring injury and just when he was settling in to playing again for Santos, the former Barcelona star is now set to miss their crucial clash with Internacional because of a new issue.
According to BeIN Sports, Neymar has been dealing with knee discomfort throughout the week and therefore he will miss Monday’s clash with fellow strugglers Internacional in a battle between 17th and 15th in Brasileiro Serie A, respectively.
Neymar Jr has struggled with injuries since joining Santos(Photo by Daniel Castelo Branco/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The report added that there is no structural damage but Neymar’s pain has been enough to sideline him and raise concern within the club.
Neymar star was unveiled by the Brazilian giants in late January, with the attacker eager to regain top form and get himself back into the international picture. However, injuries has seen him get limited game time and he currently boasts a return of seven goals and three assists in 25 matches in all competitions.
The ex-Paris Saint-Germain star contract at Santos expires at the end of this year, meaning he could be a free agent in early 2026, with a World Cup half a year away.
So far, there has been no contract breakthrough, although club president Marcelo Teixeira appears confident a deal can be struck.
He said earlier this month: “Neymar’s project is the 2026 World Cup. If there’s consensus, he will extend. There is great trust between him and the club, and I believe we’ll find a solution at the right moment.”
Former Real Madrid manager and current Brazil national team boss Carlo Ancelotti has issued an ultimatum to Neymar: Stay fit and perform well, and you may go to the 2026 World Cup.
It’s left to be seen if Neymar will return in time to play a part in Santos push for survival. They sit one place and three points above the drop zone ahead of their final four fixtures of the season.
