Neymar has suffered another injury setback just days after returning to action.
The Brazilian forward left the pitch in tears during Santos’ win over Atletico Mineiro on Wednesday.
X / @gegloboNeymar was forced off with an injury for Santos on Wednesday night[/caption]
X / @gegloboThe Brazilian was in tears as he left the pitch just days after his return[/caption]
He could be seen holding his left thigh as he was taken off on a buggy after showing discomfort following his side’s second goal.
Neymar was withdrawn just 34 minutes into Santos’ 2-0 home victory, with team-mates consoling the 33-year-old.
His former Brazil team-mate Hulk, who now plays for Atletico Mineiro, also embraced with him as he was taken off.
The Santos captain had only returned from a hamstring injury to the same leg on Sunday.
Neymar had been out of action for more than five weeks with the issue as his injury problems continue.
Prior to returning to his boyhood club in January, he missed 11 months for Al Hilal with a torn cruciate ligament.
Santos boss Cesar Sampaio was unable to confirm the severity of the issue following the match.
He told reporters: “It’s still too early to give any definitive answer, we don’t have a diagnosis yet.
“Now we really have to pray that it’s not something that will keep him out for a long time.”
Meanwhile, fans have called for Neymar to make the heartbreaking decision to hang up his boots.
Reacting on social media, one supporter wrote: “I love Neymar but he just needs to retire at this point.”
Another added: “Neymar should just retire at this point, can’t catch a break.”
A third fan also commented: “Neymar should probably retire after this season to be honest.”
The former Barcelona star returned to Santos three months ago on a short-term deal through to the end of June.
He has since scored three goals and provided three assists in nine appearances for the club where he started his career.
Neymar’s illustrious career has seen him win over 30 major trophies for club and country.
Those honours include the Copa Libertadores during his first spell with Santos as well as an Olympic gold medal with Brazil on home soil in 2016.
He is the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer thanks to 79 goals in 128 caps for his country, with only Cafu making more appearances for Brazil.
