Neymar Suffers New Muscle Injury, Expected to Miss a Month With Santos

Neymar’s return to Santos has hit another setback. The club confirmed on Friday that the star forward suffered a new muscle injury during the first half of Santos’ recent win over Atlético-MG in the Brasileirao, according to reports from Lance! and UOL. Medical exams revealed damage to his left leg’s semimembranosus muscle, different from his previous injury earlier this year.

Neymar was forced to leave the field at Vila Belmiro after feeling discomfort and has since begun treatment at Santos’ CT Rei Pelé. The club clarified there was no recurrence of the previous injury but acknowledged that such setbacks were anticipated due to his long layoff.

Santos' medical team has implemented a muscular strengthening program to help him regain optimal physical condition and avoid further complications. He will be re-evaluated regularly, and new treatment strategies may be introduced as needed.

Though Santos did not give an official recovery timeline, UOL’s Lucas Musetti Perazolli reported that Neymar is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.

Neymar’s current contract with Santos runs until mid-2025. While his return was highly anticipated, ongoing fitness issues continue to cloud his future on the pitch.