Operation (for) World Cup - Neymar’s desperate, deliberate surgery

Neymar Jr is doing everything possible to make sure he can compete in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup. Santos coach Cuca disclosed that the Brazilian superstar underwent a knee procedure during the recent international break to ensure he would be “raring to go” ahead of the tournament in June.

The 34-year-old forward was omitted from Brazil’s squad for last month’s warm-up matches against France and Croatia. He also missed Flamengo’s 3-1 victory over Santos on Sunday, having featured in Santos’ 2-0 win over Remo on April 2.

“During the break, he had a procedure on his knee, so he wasn’t training,” Cuca explained. “He spent four or five days recovering and worked on some of the fitness targets he needed to meet.”

While the coach did not specify the exact nature of the treatment, reports suggest Neymar received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a procedure that uses the player’s own blood to help heal micro-injuries and regenerate tissue.

Neymar has faced ongoing fitness challenges since tearing his ACL and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil in October 2023. He also underwent minor surgery on the same knee on December 22.

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Although he has returned to the field and featured for Santos in recent months, his performances have yet to convince Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti that he should be included in the squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Still, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals and has represented the national team at three previous World Cups, leaving little doubt that he will push to end his international career on the biggest stage.