The specter of injuries continues to haunt Neymar, and for the second time in less than a month, he suffered another injury while playing for his club, Santos.
The Brazilian international had been injured before the last international break and remained sidelined until he gradually returned in early April.
Neymar played in two Brazilian league matches for Santos, then started against Atlético Mineiro on Thursday morning.
After just 32 minutes, Neymar left the field in tears from the pain of suffering a left thigh injury.
Neymar’s injury is most likely to be a tendon injury, so his absence could be prolonged, extending to a month or more. This is another setback that reduces his chances of returning to Europe next summer.
Neymar’s contract with Santos expires next July, and the original plan was for him to use the current months to regain his form and then move to a European club.
Neymar, 33, wants to continue playing and participate in the 2026 World Cup with the Brazilian national team, after which he may retire from football.
