Neymar was in tears as he left the field with a knee injury during the first half of Brazil’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat against Uruguay on Tuesday.
The Al-Hila star was later observed exiting the stadium with the support of crutches.
In the 44th minute at Centenario Stadium, Neymar stumbled and fell during a run. He was quickly surrounded by players from both teams as he clutched his left knee.
Neymar had to be carried off the field on a stretcher, his hands covering his face, while teammate Richarlison came in as his replacement.
At halftime, Brazil’s medical team had no immediate updates on Neymar’s condition. However, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar mentioned after the game that the star player had already undergone tests, with more scheduled for Wednesday.
“These 24 hours will be important to see how the knee will respond, how will be the swelling,” Lasmar said. “Imaging tests that will define a definitive diagnosis. It’s too early to say [if it’s a ligament injury]. Let’s wait for the exams calmly, evaluate calmly, and as soon as we have a definition we will let you know.”
Neymar refrained from speaking to the press in Montevideo. Following his departure from the stadium, he took to Instagram to share that “God knows about all things.”
“All the honor and all the glory will always be yours, my Lord. No matter what, I have faith,” he said in the post.
Darwin Nunez netted the first goal for Uruguay, while Nicolás de la Cruz secured the second for Marcelo Bielsa’s team in a game where Brazil conceded points for the second consecutive match. This marked Brazil’s first loss in 37 World Cup qualifying matches.
Before the World Cup qualifier, Neymar, who is part of Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, faced criticism from fans due to his lackluster performance in the 1-1 draw against Venezuela on Thursday.