Brazilian star Neymar Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19, his club Santos FC confirmed, in yet another setback to the forward’s already disrupted return to his boyhood club.
The 32-year-old, who made a highly publicized return to Santos in January after a challenging stint plagued by injuries at Al-Hilal, has only managed to feature in 12 games since his comeback. This latest development compounds his ongoing battle with fitness and availability.
In an official club statement, Santos revealed that Neymar began experiencing symptoms on Thursday, June 5, and was immediately placed in isolation.
“With a viral condition that began on Thursday, Neymar Jr. underwent laboratory tests, after evaluation by the Medical Department of Santos FC, which confirmed infection by Covid-19,” the statement read.
“The player had already been away from activities and remains resting at home, undergoing symptomatic treatment.”
Although Neymar was already suspended for Friday’s match against Fortaleza, the COVID-19 diagnosis won’t affect the team’s short-term lineup.
Santos now looks ahead to their next match against Palmeiras, scheduled for nearly a month away after the Club World Cup break — a window that may offer the player enough time to recover and reset.
