Footage of Neymar in agony has emerged as the Brazilian continues to recover from an ACL injury.
Brazil’s record scorer underwent surgery in November after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty a month prior.
And it has since emerged that the 31-year-old’s injury will see him miss next summer’s Copa America, with Neymar scheduled to return to fitness in August.
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On the matter, Brazil’s national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told radio station Radio 98 FM on Tuesday: “There won’t be time, it’s too early, there’s no point skipping steps to recover sooner and taking unnecessary risks.
“We expect that he will be ready to return at the start of the 2024 season in Europe, which is in August. We need to be patient. Talking about a return before nine months is premature. It is very important to have the time it takes for the body to build that ligament. The expectation is that after this time, he will have recovered at a high level.”
Neymar joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in August but has only played five games for his new side, having struggled with various muscle injuries.
And fans on social media expressed their sympathy for Neymar as footage emerged of the Brazil icon screaming in pain while recovering from his latest and most severe injury.
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As seen in the above video a tearful Neymar is in agony while receiving physical therapy post-ACL surgery.
After an ACL reconstruction, one's knee mobility becomes severely limited both from the trauma of the surgery and from the newly grafted tendon. At this point regaining a range of motion through a series of painful stretches is essential.
Fans on Reddit were quick to empathise with Neymar’s pain.
One person said: “I'm hoping this mf pulls a Ronaldo Nazario and wins the WC after coming back from a career-threatening injury.”
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Another said: “That’s brutal. Honestly never felt bad for Neymar since he’s a millionaire a hundred times over, sold his soul to Saudi Arabia and all the diving [...] but this really humanises him. Just a guy going through hell for a sport he loves to play and has been exceptionally good at despite the injuries.
“Hope he comes back from this okay, and the pain and struggle is worth it.”
A third added: “Just a reminder that all the money in the world isn’t worth much when you’re not healthy.
“Can buy the best doctors. But the road to recovery is painful regardless.”
Featured Image Credit: Ghostface1357 via RedditTopics: Neymar, Brazil, Fan Reactions