Neymar’s latest thigh injury could keep him out for up to two months, with Santos preparing for the possibility of the Brazilian missing at least 10 matches.

Neymar could miss up to 13 games after new injury update

Neymar has suffered another major injury setback, with the latest reports indicating that the Santos star could be sidelined for six to eight weeks and potentially miss up to 13 matches.

The Brazilian was forced off at half-time during Santos’ Copa do Brasil clash with Palmeiras after feeling discomfort in his right thigh.

Medical tests have since identified a grade 2B injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh.

Neymar diagnosed with grade 2B muscle injury

The injury is more serious than a minor strain.

A grade 2B muscle problem involves partial damage to the muscle fibres and normally requires a significant rehabilitation period before a player can safely return to full-intensity football.

The affected rectus femoris is an important part of the quadriceps and plays a major role in sprinting, changing direction and striking the ball.

That makes Santos particularly cautious about rushing Neymar back too quickly.

Recovery could take up to eight weeks

Early reports suggested Neymar might be unavailable for around a month.

However, more recent updates in Brazil have placed the expected recovery period at approximately six to eight weeks.

The current expectation is that Neymar could need close to the full eight weeks before being ready to return.

A late-October comeback is therefore becoming a more realistic target than an early return.

Santos refuse to rush Neymar back

Santos and Neymar’s team are reportedly taking a conservative approach to the recovery process.

The priority is to ensure the muscle heals properly rather than attempting to bring him back as soon as possible.

There is no intention to accelerate the rehabilitation if doing so creates a greater risk of another setback.

Neymar’s recent injury history has made that approach particularly important.

Neymar could miss at least 10 matches

The timing of the injury is a major problem for Santos because the club is entering an important part of the season.

Based on the current recovery estimate, Neymar could miss at least 10 matches across domestic and continental competition.

That number could rise to approximately 13 depending on Santos’ progress in the Copa Sudamericana and the scheduling of postponed league fixtures.

His absence could therefore have a significant impact on the club’s season.

Sudamericana quarter-finals ruled out

Neymar is expected to miss both legs of Santos’ Copa Sudamericana quarter-final against Atletico Mineiro.

The first leg is scheduled at Vila Belmiro before the return match in Belo Horizonte.

With Neymar facing several more weeks of rehabilitation, there is effectively no chance of him being available for either quarter-final.

If Santos progress, even the semi-final stage could arrive too early for the Brazilian.

Possible return only in late October

The most realistic comeback window currently points towards the end of October.

That estimate will depend on how Neymar responds to treatment and whether he can progress through running, ball work and full team training without discomfort.

Santos are expected to evaluate him step by step rather than setting a fixed return date.

Any recurrence of pain could push the comeback back even further.

No surgery currently expected

Despite the seriousness of the muscle injury, there is currently no indication that Neymar will require surgery.

His recovery is expected to focus on treatment, strengthening and gradual rehabilitation at Santos’ training centre.

Neymar is currently working with the club’s medical department at CT Rei Pele.

He will only return to full training once the medical staff are satisfied with the healing process.

Another muscular setback for Neymar

The latest problem continues a difficult sequence of injuries for the Brazilian.

Neymar also suffered a calf injury earlier in 2026 that kept him out for several weeks.

The right-thigh problem now represents another significant muscular setback during the same year.

That history is another reason Santos are unwilling to take unnecessary risks.

Pitch controversy continues

Neymar’s injury also came during the match that triggered his furious criticism of the Vila Belmiro pitch.

He later described the surface as the worst he had experienced at the stadium and complained about holes and uneven sections following maintenance work.

However, there is still no medical evidence proving that the condition of the pitch directly caused Neymar’s thigh injury.

The problem appeared during a movement rather than from one specific tackle.

Santos already repairing Vila Belmiro

Santos began work on the pitch shortly after Neymar’s criticism.

The club has also been considering more extensive changes to the playing surface.

The repairs have added another layer to the debate, but Neymar’s recovery will now be the club’s main concern.

For Santos, losing their biggest star for such a long period comes at one of the worst possible moments.

Neymar faces another long road back

The latest update has turned what initially looked like a shorter absence into a much more serious problem.

Neymar could now spend close to two months away from competitive football and miss a crucial run of Santos fixtures.

With at least 10 matches potentially affected and no desire to rush his return, Santos are preparing for an extended period without their biggest name.

The focus now is not on getting Neymar back as quickly as possible, but on ensuring that when he returns, he can stay available.