Will Neymar be fit for Mumbai City FC vs Al Hilal AFC Champions League match?

Neymar’s injury makes his availability uncertain for Al Hilal’s AFC Champions League clash against Mumbai City FC on October 23 and November 6, respectively.

Brazil’s forward Neymar leaves the field after an injury during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Uruguay and Brazil at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo on October 17, 2023. | Photo Credit: AFP

It was an unceremonious exit for Neymar, with the Brazilian in tears as a left knee injury forced him to be stretchered off the pitch in his team’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay in a FIFA World Cup qualifier match on Wednesday.

This injury makes his availability uncertain for Al Hilal’s AFC Champions League clash against Mumbai City FC on October 23 and November 6, respectively.

How did the injury happen?

In the 44th minute of the Uruguay vs Brazil FIFA World Cup qualifier clash at the Centenario Stadium, the 31-year-old forward tripped and fell while sprinting.

Surrounded by players from both teams, his pain was visible as he covered his face with both hands as he was carried off the pitch. He was eventually replaced by Richalison.

How serious is the injury and is there a date of return?

Neymar will be sidelined for several months as he requires surgery after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee during the World Cup qualifier, the Brazilian FA (CBF).

“The striker will undergo surgery, on a date yet to be set, to correct the injuries. The medical department of the Brazilian national team ... and Al Hilal are in constant contact and are aligned in the athlete’s recovery,” CBF said in a statement.