Neymar's Knee Surgery Sparks World Cup Watch: Santos Update and Ancelotti's Dilemma

Neymar undergoes knee arthroscopy in a Santos update

Santos, the Brazilian club, announced on Monday that their international forward Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior underwent a successful knee arthroscopy to treat a torn meniscus. The procedure was performed by Rodrigo Lasmar, the surgeon linked with the national team, and Santos stated that the operation went well and Neymar is in good condition.

Recovery timeline, Santos contract, and Brazil chances

The club did not provide a timetable for his return. Globo Esporte reported that recovery could take up to a month. Neymar has previously endured two surgeries on toe bones, yet despite the injury, he pushed through to help Santos stay competitive in the Brazilian league, scoring five goals and providing one assist in the last four matches.

Sources indicate Neymar is set to sign a new six-month contract with Santos. He still hopes to join Brazil's national team next year, but his relationship with Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has been strained due to his recent exclusion from Selecao selections.

Ancelotti stated that Neymar is not automatically guaranteed a place. "If we talk about Neymar, we must talk about other players," he said, stressing that Brazil could be with Neymar or without him, depending on form and competition from others. He added that the final World Cup squad would be announced after FIFA dates in March, and that he will pick the team that will participate in June, with May's decision in mind. "If Neymar deserves it, if he is in good shape, and better than the alternatives, he will play in the World Cup." He also added that he owes nothing to anyone.

Punchline: If Neymar’s knee heals as fast as transfer rumors spread, Brazil’s World Cup plans might just break the internet. Punchline 2: When a coach says not guaranteed a spot, consider it a premium audition with better coffee and worse travel excuses.