Neymar set to miss entire season due to torn ACL

Neymar has been unlucky with injuries throughout his career

After examinations revealed that Neymar tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during his nation's World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay on Tuesday, Brazil's Football Confederation (CBF) said Wednesday. Neymar is expected to miss a significant amount of time.

The procedure for the 31-year-old will take place at a later time. Neymar may be able to take part again in eight months and be ready for the Copa América, which will be played in the United States next summer.

"Striker Neymar Jr. of the Brazilian team and Al-Hilal, from Saudi Arabia, underwent clinical and imaging tests this Wednesday, which confirmed the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee," Brazil's Football Confederation said in a statement.

"The striker will undergo a surgical procedure, on a date yet to be defined, to correct the injuries. The Brazilian National Team's medical department, under the supervision of Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, and Al Hilal, are in permanent contact and aligned in the player's recovery."

"It's a very sad moment, the worst," Neymar wrote. "I know I'm strong but this time I'm going to need my family and friends even more. It's not easy to go through injury and surgery. Imagine going through it all again after 4 months of recovery."

As Neymar was being escorted away from the pitch, Al Hilal uploaded a snapshot of the Brazilian star on social media with the caption, "Get well soon."

In the 44th minute of Brazil's 2-0 defeat at the Centenario Stadium, Neymar stumbled and fell while running. He was quickly swarmed by players from both teams as he grasped his left knee.

The former winger for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain was substituted by colleague Richarlison as he was wheeled away on a trolley while holding his hands to his face.