Neymar could face up to three months on the sidelines after the Paris Saint-Germain forward undergoes surgery on his broken foot, Brazil's national team doctor Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar has confirmed. The Brazil national team had previously come to a consensus with PSG over the surgery, with both sides agreeing it was the best course of action for the player.
There had been some conflict between the player and the club over the surgery, and it was reported that the player wanted to have the surgery immediately, to give maximum recovery time. However, there is believed to be a clause in his contract which gives PSG the final word on all medical decision. The club stressed that this was a joint decision taken in agreement by both parties.
In a statement the club had said: "After an initial treatment period of three days inline with a strict medical protocol, a joint decision has been taken between the medical staffs of both Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team.
"In accordance with the player, it has been decided that Neymar Jr will undergo surgery in Brazil at the end of this week. He will be operated on by Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, accompanied by Professor Saillant, representing PSG."
PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi had also backed the decision, stating: "We made a meeting with Brazil's doctor, our doctor, the family, the player. Everyone agreed with the decision to operate on Neymar.
"It was a difficult decision. We could not take the risk of delaying the operation. We do not want to waste time, so we hope he will be ready for the quarter-finals of the Champions League."
However, with this latest news, it seems that Neymar could well be out for the rest of the season, missing the Champions League clash with Real Madrid that PSG were desperate for him to play. The Brazil international could even miss the start of the World Cup, which begins in June, depending on how quickly he reaches fitness after he recovers from the injury.