The much-anticipated homecoming of Neymar to Santos has hit another significant roadblock. Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda has confirmed that the star forward is facing a fresh injury setback, withdrawing from Monday’s Serie A clash with Internacional due to knee discomfort.
This latest issue adds to a growing list of fitness problems that have plagued the 33-year-old since his emotional return to his boyhood club in January 2025.
A Comeback Constantly Derailed
Neymar’s return to Brazil was supposed to mark a career revival after a severe ACL injury ended his stint with Al-Hilal. However, his second spell at Santos has been defined by stop-start appearances and recurring physical issues.
Having just returned from a hamstring injury to feature in the last three league matches, Neymar was reportedly struggling with knee pain throughout the week leading up to the Internacional game, forcing him to miss the fixture entirely.
The Sobering Statistics
The numbers from his comeback make for sobering reading. In 25 appearances across all competitions, Neymar has managed just seven goals and three assists. More concerning than the output is his inability to maintain fitness, with this latest knee problem being the most recent in a string of ailments.
The Looming World Cup Shadow
These persistent injuries are not just a problem for Santos; they are a major concern for the Brazilian national team. With only one international break left in March before the 2026 World Cup, Neymar is in a desperate race against time to prove his fitness and form to national team coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Each new setback makes his dream of featuring in what would likely be his final World Cup increasingly uncertain. For now, Santos and Brazil fans alike are left waiting for another update, hoping this latest knock is minor and not a sign of a more serious, recurring issue.
