PSG forward Neymar will miss the remainder of this season as he undergoes ligament repair surgery following recurring ankle problems. The Brazilian is set to be sidelined for at least three months once the surgery takes place in the coming days.
Neymar has missed PSG’s last two matches, last playing in a 4-3 win against Lille in mid-February when he was taken off on a stretcher. “Neymar Jr has had several episodes of right ankle instability in recent years,” a PSG statement read.
“Following his last sprain contracted on February 20, the medical staff of Paris Saint-Germain recommended a ligament repair operation, in order to avoid a major risk of recurrence. All of the experts consulted confirmed this need.
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“This surgery will be performed in the coming days at ASPETAR Hospital in Doha. A delay of three to four months is expected before his return to team training.”
This will undoubtedly come as a blow to Todd Boehly and the Chelsea board, who had reportedly identified the 31-year-old as a marquee signing option. Alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, who has 13 goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1 this season, is one of the global faces of world football, and would be an extremely attractive proposition for owners looking for a commercial and marketing boost.
Should Chelsea pursue this possible avenue this summer, the latest injury will likely set things back as he could be out of action until mid-July. Despite consistent murmurs that Neymar would like to leave Paris Saint-Germain, especially with Messi and Mbappe's futures far from certain, L'Equipe have reported that the Olympic gold medal winner has no intention of leaving the French capital.
Le Parisien previously reported Boehly had travelled to Paris for talks with PSG about a deal for Neymar, while Foot Mercato claimed Boehly had met with Neymar's representatives and taken the 'matter into his own hands'. While the injury could represent a blow to any prospective move, it may provide a boost to Chelsea’s current Champions League campaign.
Were the Blues able to overcome a one goal deficit in their round-of-16 clash against Borussia Dortmund, their path could be made that little bit easier in Neymar’s absence. PSG were hoping he would be back available for their own tie against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, where the French outfit will also have to turn around a 1-0 scoreline.
However, their task has been made more challenging without the mercurial talent, potentially allowing the German's an easier route to the quarter-finals.
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