Brazil's Neymar goes under the knife, misses Real Madrid clash
Brazilian superstar Neymar will undergo surgery on his fractured foot in Brazil as early as Thursday, ruling the world's most expensive footballer out of Paris Saint-Germain's do-or-die Champions League clash with Real Madrid. The 26-year-old suffered a hairline fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and also a twisted ankle late in PSG's 3-0 win over Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
Neymar's treatment will last six to eight weeks
Neymar, his father, and surgeon Lasmar left Paris Wednesday night for Belo Horizonte's Mater Dei Hospital where the operation is set for Thursday, according to one of Brazil's leading dailies. Neymar Senior said, "PSG know that they will not be able to count on Neymar for the upcoming matches. His treatment will last six to eight weeks, whether there is an operation or not."
Neymar to miss Real clash on March 6
PSG coach Unai Emery earlier said that "no decision" had been taken on Neymar's surgery and that there remained a "small chance" of getting him back in time to face Real next Tuesday, March 6. PSG lost 3-1 in the first leg in Spain and are in danger of being knocked out of the competition in the last 16 for the second season running.
Neymar might not return before Champions League semi-finals
Neymar appeared to be in tears as he was stretchered off the field at the Parc des Princes on Sunday. Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte claimed the former Barcelona player would be sidelined until May while, if his father's estimate was correct, Neymar would not return before the semi-final stage of the Champions League in late April.
