Neymar undergoes successful knee surgery after issuing bold World Cup promise | OneFootball

Neymar has undergone successful surgery on his knee as the winger bids to get fit and prove himself worthy of a place in the Brazil squad for next year's World Cup.

The 33-year-old returned to his childhood club Santos in January and played a key role in their survival in the Brazilian top flight, playing through the pain and scoring five times in their last four matches.

In a statement on Monday, Santos said the surgery was performed by the Brazilian national team's doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

"An arthroscopy was performed to treat a medial meniscus injury. The surgery was a success, and the athlete is doing well," the club said.

It comes just a couple of days after Neymar took to the stage with singer Thiaguinho to issue a bold promise to the nation, trying to incentivise Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti to bring him back into the fold.

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Neymar underwent surgery to treat a meniscus injury (REUTERS)

"We are going to do everything possible, even the impossible, to bring this World Cup back to Brazil," declared the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar. "In July, you can hold me accountable. Come on, Ancelotti, help us out, okay?"

Neymar then added: "If we reach the final, I promise to score.”

Santos did not provide a timeline for his return from injury, though Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte reported his recovery would take up to a month.

Neymar, Brazil's leading goalscorer with 79 goals, has not featured for the five-times World Cup winners since 2023 due to a succession of injuries.

In October, Ancelotti said he must be fit if he is to earn a recall to the squad for next summer’s tournament held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Brazil will face Scotland, 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco and Haiti in Group C.