PSG forward Neymar undergoes successful ankle surgery in Doha

Paris Saint-Germain signed Neymar for a world-record 222 million euros ($264m) in 2017.

He has played only 49 percent of PSG's Ligue 1 matches, 112 out of 228, since his arrival.

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About the surgery update:

Paris Saint Germain forward Neymar Jr. has successfully undergone surgery on his right ankle, as confirmed by the club in a statement.  Neymar opted to undergo a surgery after missing PSG's crucial Champions League games against Bayern Munich. He was facing recurring ligament issues in his right ankle.

He missed last three matches of PSG including the most recent defeat against Bayern Munich.

Statement:

Words from the club:

"Neymar Jr underwent surgery late Friday morning at ASPETAR Hospital in Doha, by Professors Pieter D'Hooghe (ASPETAR), James Calder (Fortius Clinic London) and Rodrigo Lasmar (Brazilian National Team)," read a club statement. "The intervention went very well. The player will now follow a rest and care protocol."

The French champions are yet to provide any specific timeline for Neymar's return, saying "the player will now follow a protocol of rest and treatment."

Earlier this week, PSG said "the injury will keep the Brazil international out for the rest of the season."

Words from Neymar Jr:

In a post on Instagram this week, Neymar vowed to "come back stronger" after his injury.

Words from Galtier:

The club's coach, Christophe Galtier, said: "Without Neymar, we may have two midfielders and three attackers or three midfielders and two attackers. There are players who can get in behind from all sorts of different positions."

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About Neymar's injury issues and PSG's performance:

Neymar netted 13 goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1 this season. He has not played since a 4-3 win over Lille last month. The 31-year-old Brazil star has twice spent lengthy spells on the sidelines after sustaining metatarsal fractures before PSG's last-16 tie against Real Madrid in 2019 and against Manchester United im 2020. The French side was later knocked out of the Champions League on both occasions.

Neymar did not feature in PSG's 2-0 defeat against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. This defeat eventually eliminated them from the Champions League.

PSG are currently top of the league with an eight-point lead.