The Brazilian confederation (CBF) has confirmed that Paris St Germain playmaker Neymar Jr. successfully underwent surgery on his injured foot and ankle. The CBF released a statement over the weekend, calming fears about the world’s most expensive footballer.
Neymar was operated on by the national team doctor in Belo Horizonte to fix a fractured metatarsal and sprained ankle. He picked up the issues in the French Cup tie with Olympique Marseille, which PSG went on to win 3-0.
The CBF coordinated their statement with the player’s club; both reporting that a pin was inserted in Neymar’s fifth metatarsal. They added that the rehabilitation will begin immediately with the help of a PSG physiotherapist. He is expected to remain sidelined for the rest of the month of March 2018 and the first half of April before making a reappearance ahead of World Cup 2018.
Fans of the player were outside the Mater Dei Hospital, chanting the player’s name and lending their support for his quick recovery. The 26-year old is expected to resume training and help PSG finish off the season on a high. In his absence, the club may struggle in continental fixtures but they are expected to wrap up the Ligue 1 and the French Cup.
Neymar is expected to be ready in time to help Brazil push through in the World Cup this summer. The South American soccer giant remains one of the heavy favourites for the trophy. Before the injury, he was in a rich vein of form, scoring 28 goals and having 16 assists. He has a stellar record in the national team (53 goals in 83 matches) and is expected to lead them to glory in Russia.
On the other hand, there are reports that Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior will make the World Cup shortlist. The 17-year old would join his Spanish employers after the World Cup – when he reaches the acceptable age of 18 – following a £30 million deal last year. The Brazil U17 star is one of the future stars of the country and is expected to mark an appearance in Russia.