Neymar suffers a torn ACL on Brazil duty and could MISS the rest of the season – just two months after signing a £130m-a-year contract at Saudi side Al-Hilal… with forward a huge doubt for next summer’s Copa America

Neymar will undergo surgery after tearing his cruciate ligament and suffering a meniscus tear in his left knee, Al-Hilal has confirmed.

The Brazilian star suffered the horrific injury during his country’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday evening.

He could miss the rest of the season, leaving him in a race against time to recover ahead of the Copa America in the United States next summer.

Al-Hilal posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘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.”

Neymar only signed his £130m-per-season contract with the Saudi Arabian club a few months ago.

Neymar will undergo surgery after suffering a torn cruciate ligament and meniscus tear in his left knee

The 31-year-old was taken off the pitch at half-time during Brazil’s defeat to Uruguay on Tuesday

It casts doubt on whether he will recover in time for next summer’s Copa America in the US

Neymar knew something was wrong as soon as 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.

The 31-year-old was taken away on a wheeled stretcher at half-time in obvious pain and was pictured wearing a leg brace after the match.

Now his worst fears have been confirmed.

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.

It is his second serious injury of the calendar year after he suffered a devastating ankle blow in February, which also required surgery

He signed for Al-Hilal in the summer for £78 million on a contract worth £130 million per season

The Saudi Arabian club invested a huge amount of money in Neymar, but he will be sidelined for a long time

Neymar’s last match for PSG was the 4-3 win over Lille in February, in which he had to be stretchered off the pitch due to the injury.

This summer he completed a £78 million move to Al-Hilal and was welcomed with a grand ceremony.

About 60,000 fans welcomed the Brazilian in a show with fireworks, flashing lights and words in the air: ‘Neymar is Blue’.

It was a big investment in a big player, but for now Neymar is once again on the sidelines.