Brazil star Neymar has torn ACL, set for surgery

Brazilian star Neymar is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after tests confirmed he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during his country’s World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay on Tuesday, Brazil’s football confederation (CBF) announced Wednesday.

The 31-year-old will undergo surgery on a date to be confirmed. Sources told ESPN Brasil the CBF’S medical staff thinks Neymar could play again in

eight months and be back in time for the Copa América, which will be contested in the United States next summer.

“Striker Neymar Jr. of the Brazilian team and Al-hilal, from Saudi Arabia, underwent clinical and imaging tests this Wednesday, which confirmed the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee,” Brazil’s Football Confederation said in a statement.

“The striker will undergo a surgical procedure, on a date yet to be defined, to correct the injuries. The Brazilian National Team’s medical department, under the supervision of Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, and Al Hilal, are in permanent contact and aligned in the player’s recovery.”