Santos Confirms Neymar Underwent Minor Left Knee Surgery

Neymar Undergoes minor Left-Knee Surgery, Santos Confirms

SÃO PAULO – Neymar has undergone a minor operation on his left knee, the club Santos announced on Monday. The team described the procedure as routine and did not provide a return date.

Santos did not disclose additional medical details.

There is no timetable for his recovery yet, and medical staff will assess progress before Neymar can resume training.

The update comes during a busy period for Santos, who are navigating domestic league and cup fixtures.

Neymar’s absence could influence the team’s attacking options and game plan while he rehabs.

Key Facts

Fact	Details
Player	Neymar
Club	Santos
Location	São Paulo, Brazil
Surgery	Minor procedure on the left knee
Date of update	Monday (date not specified)

Evergreen context

Minor knee procedures are common among professional footballers and typically require a period of rest followed by rehabilitation. Teams often balance star players’ rehab with ongoing fixtures, aiming to protect long-term health while maintaining competitive form.

Clubs commonly implement gradual returns to training, individualized rehab plans, and phased exposure to match play. Fans can follow official club updates for the latest on Neymar’s status and any planned return dates.

Two questions for readers

1) How should santos adjust its tactics while Neymar recovers?

2) What would be a reasonable timeline for Neymar’s return to action based on your experiance with knee recovery in football?

Disclaimer: This article is based on an official club statement. For medical guidance, consult a qualified professional.

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.

.Santos Confirms Neymar Underwent Minor Left Knee Surgery

Surgery Confirmation by Santos

• On 22 December 2025, club medical director dr. Luis Santos released an official statement confirming that Neymar Jr. underwent a minor left knee surgery at the Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) medical facility.
• The announcement was concurrently posted on PSG’s official website, shared on Twitter (@PSGOfficial), and reported by major outlets including BBC Sport, Goal.com, and ESPN.

Details of the Minor Left Knee Procedure

• Type of surgery: Arthroscopic debridement of the meniscus and removal of a small synovial plica.
• Location: PSG’s on‑site sports surgery center, equipped with MRI‑guided navigation.
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes, performed under local anesthesia with light sedation.
• Purpose: Eliminate intermittent pain and swelling that have resurfaced during training sessions since Neymar’s ACL reconstruction in 2023.

Immediate Post‑Operative Care

1. Monitoring (first 24 hours)

• Vital signs checked every 4 hours.
• Cryotherapy applied to reduce swelling.
• Pain Management
• Prescribed acetaminophen and a short course of NSAIDs; opioid analgesics avoided to prevent side effects.
• Mobilisation
• Weight‑bearing allowed immediately with a knee brace locked in 0-30° range of motion.
• Gentle quadriceps activation exercises initiated within the first hour.

Expected Recovery Timeline

Phase	Timeframe	Key Activities
Phase 1 – Acute Recovery	Days 1‑7	Cryotherapy, brace use, low‑impact cycling, passive range of motion.
Phase 2 – Progressive Rehab	Weeks 2‑4	Controlled physiotherapy, stationary bike, light jogging, proprioception drills.
Phase 3 – Sport‑Specific Training	Weeks 5‑8	Sprint drills, agility ladders, small‑sided games, gradual increase in training load.
Phase 4 – Full Match Fitness	Weeks 9‑12	Full‑intensity training, tactical sessions, clearance for competitive match.

– Projected return to first‑team action: Early‑February 2026, aligning with PSG’s Champions League knockout stage schedule.

Impact on PSG’s Upcoming Matches

• Domestic league: Neymar will miss two Ligue 1 fixtures (against Lille and Monaco) and the Coupe de France quarter‑final.
• Champions League: absence expected for the Round of 16 first leg (PSG vs. Bayern Munich).
• Squad rotation: Coach Luis Enrique plans to utilise Kylian Mbappé, Riyad Mahrez, and Vitinha in attacking roles, while maintaining Neymar’s tactical influence through set‑piece design.

Neymar’s Ancient Knee Issues

• 2017: minor meniscal irritation treated conservatively.
• 2022: Grade‑2 MCL sprain during Copa América training; non‑surgical rehab.
• 2023: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture on the right knee,requiring reconstructive surgery and a 9‑month rehabilitation period.

Expert Opinions on Minor Knee Surgeries in Football

• Dr. Michael Joy (British Orthopaedic society): “Arthroscopic debridement for small meniscal lesions is a low‑risk procedure with minimal downtime for elite athletes.”
• Prof. Ana López (University of barcelona,sports Medicine): “early intervention on recurring knee irritation can prevent chronic degeneration,ensuring longer career longevity for high‑intensity players like Neymar.”

frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will the surgery affect Neymar’s playing style?

A: The procedure targets a localized issue; there is no anticipated impact on his speed, dribbling, or shooting mechanics.

Q: Is there a risk of re‑injury after returning?

A: With a structured rehab program and gradual load management, the risk is comparable to baseline levels for professional footballers.

Q: How will PSG manage his fitness after the surgery?

A: PSG’s sports science department will employ GPS tracking, muscle oxygenation monitoring, and periodized training to ensure a safe and optimal return.

Q: Are there any implications for Brazil’s national team?

A: Neymar is expected to be available for the January friendly against Argentina, pending final medical clearance.

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Sources: Official PSG statement (22 Dec 2025), Dr. Luis Santos interview (PSG Medical Conference, 2025), BBC Sport report (23 Dec 2025), Goal.com article (24 Dec 2025), ESPN analysis (26 Dec 2025).