- Neymar suffered a serious knee injury while on international duty for Brazil this week
- The attacker tore his anterior cruciate ligament and the meniscus of his left knee
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ‘It all begins!’
Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal have been criticized for their graphic choice as they wished Neymar well after he suffered a serious knee injury.
The former PSG and Barcelona forward suffered the painful injury on Tuesday night while playing for Brazil in their 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Neymar had torn his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, meaning the Brazilian now faces a race against time to recover ahead of the Copa America in the United States next summer.
Neymar completed a £78m move to Al-Hilal this summer, signing a two-year contract worth £130m per season and scoring his first goal against Iranian side FC Nassaji Mazandaran in the AFC Champions League earlier this month.
After news of his injury was confirmed, the 31-year-old’s club posted on X: ‘The medical tests Neymar underwent confirmed the injury to the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his knee. He will undergo surgery and then a treatment program to be determined later. Come back stronger @neymarjr.’
Neymar suffered a serious knee injury during the international break for Brazil on Tuesday evening
However, his club Al-Hilal were criticized for their graphic choice as they wished their star player well after using a photo of him screaming on the ground in pain.
However, their well wishes were accompanied by an image of Neymar screaming in pain while holding his knee after the incident on Tuesday night, leading some people to criticize the club.
One fan said: “Sorry but why would you make this image,” before another added: “This photo choice is cruel, come on now.”
Another supporter joked: ‘Need a new marketing team’ and another fan added: ‘Why are they using this photo?’.
A final supporter agreed and also said: ‘Why would you use that picture of him in pain?’
After news of his injury was confirmed, Neymar wrote on Instagram: “It’s a very sad moment, the worst. I know I’m strong, but this time I need my (family and friends) even more.
‘It’s not easy going through an injury and surgery, imagine having to go through all that again after four months of recovery.
‘I have faith, even too much… But I place the strength in the hands of God so that he can renew mine. Thank you for the messages of support and love.”
Neymar knew something was wrong on Tuesday when he went down. He collapsed after battling Nicolas de la Cruz for the ball in the 44th minute, hurting his left leg and seeking medical attention as his teammates looked on anxiously.
Fans couldn’t quite believe that the Saudi Pro League side had used Neymar’s image in agony
The 31-year-old was taken off the pitch at half-time during Brazil’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
He only joined Al-Hilal in the summer when the striker signed a £130m-per-season contract
The 31-year-old was taken off the pitch in obvious pain on a stretcher at half-time and was pictured wearing a leg brace after the match.
This year has already been a difficult one for Neymar in terms of injuries.
His final season at PSG was blighted by a right ankle injury in February, which required surgery and meant he played no more games for the French giants.
Neymar’s last match for PSG was the 4–3 win over Lille that month, in which he had to be stretchered off due to the injury.