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Brazilian superstar Neymar has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will go under the knife, with his recovery period currently unknown.

The 31-year-old was sent off the pitch during his country’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay, landing awkwardly during 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Neymar was in tears as he left the pitch and ESPN reports that Brazilian medical staff believe he could return eight months before next year’s Copa America.

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“Striker Neymar Jr. of the Brazilian team and Al-Hilal, of Saudi Arabia, underwent clinical and imaging examinations this Wednesday which confirmed the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the meniscus of his left knee” , said the Brazilian Football Confederation in a statement. .

“The attacker will undergo surgery, on a date yet to be determined, to correct the injuries.

“The Brazilian national team medical department, under the supervision of Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, and Al Hilal, are in constant contact and aligned on the player’s recovery.”

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer, netting 79 goals in 129 appearances.

Brazil currently sits third in the South American World Cup qualifying rankings and will face Colombia and Argentina in the coming months.

Neymar will now also be sidelined from the Saudi Pro League, with Al Hilal spending more than AU$160 million to secure his services in August.

Neymar has suffered from multiple injuries in recent seasons, missing several months during his last two years at PSG due to various ankle knocks.

He also broke a bone in his back during the 2014 World Cup, hosted by Brazil, after an ugly quarter-final challenge against Colombia.

Even though Brazil won that match, they lost 7-1 to Germany without their talismanic winger.