Al Hilal star Neymar making good progress from knee injury, says Brazil doctor

Brazilian forward ruptured his ACL and meniscus during last month's international break

Neymar is tackled by Ronald Araujo during a Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifying match at Centenario stadium between Brazil and Uruguay. Reuters

Neymar during Brazil's World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay. Reuters

Neymar lies on the turf after being fouled during Brazil's game against Uruguay. AFP

Brazil players stand next to Neymar before he went off injured during the 2026 World Cup South American qualification match against Uruguay. AFP

Neymar is assisted off the field after his injury. EPA

Neymar is stretchered off the field during Brazil's game against Uruguay. Reuters

Al Hilal forward Neymar is making good progress from his knee injury, Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said on Monday, although there is still no timeframe for when he will be able to return to action.

Neymar, 31, ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty in October. He underwent surgery earlier this month in a Belo Horizonte hospital.

The Brazil international is responding "very well" but the recovery will be long and he must focus on the process, Lasmar told a press conference at Brazil's training centre in Teresopolis.

"He's shown, from the first moment that he's following what we're proposing. He knows that it's a process that he's going to need all of us, physiotherapist, fitness trainer, so that we can have Neymar (back) as soon as possible," said the doctor.

Lasmar, who carried out the surgery, said it was not yet possible to set a date for Hilal player's return.

"Injuries are individual. In general, there are associated injuries that can be just as important, such as a meniscus injury. All this makes the procedure more complex, with a slower recovery period. That's why we don't talk about a timescale," he said.

Neymar joined Saudi Pro League giants Hilal in August for a reported €90 million ($96.28 million), but the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward only played five games because he was struggling with muscle injuries.

Hilal have continued to impress in his absence, sitting top of the league table having won 11 and drawing two of their opening 13 matches of the season.

Lasmar also said goalkeeper Ederson had withdrawn from the squad due to an injury he sustained playing for Manchester City in their 4-4 draw at Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

"He suffered trauma to his foot in the final minutes and was able to continue the match but the pain became intense. The foot became swollen, making it difficult to walk," Lasmar said.

Athletico Paranaense keeper Bento has been called up to replace him in the Brazil squad.

Brazil, who sit third in the South American World Cup qualifying standings with seven points, face fifth-placed Colombia, with six points, on Thursday. They host leaders Argentina, who have 12 points, the following Tuesday.