Neymar's physical decline confirmed in detailed Santos report

Neymar returned to action against Fluminense one month after his last match. He came on in the second half as part of his recovery process, but then started three days later at home against Atletico Mineiro. However, he lasted just 34 minutes before picking up another muscle injury.

A club statement was expected and, this time, extended far beyond the usual lines to explain the star's physical condition. "After recovering from a muscle injury and despite training to gain muscle mass, Neymar returned to action and felt discomfort in his left thigh. Tests confirmed a new injury, this time to the semimembranosus muscle.

"The player will continue strengthening work to try to achieve better muscle levels and avoid further injuries. He will be evaluated regularly for monitoring and treatment decisions. It is known that these incidents could occur due to his period of inactivity," read the club's official statement.

It is not just another injury—Santos are acknowledging the player's delicate physical state, particularly with regard to muscle condition, as a consequence of the long spells of inactivity over the last months, especially since his move to Saudi Arabia.

Over the past year, from 19 April 2024 to today, the Brazilian forward has played only 11 matches, totalling 627 minutes. A remarkably low figure that explains the recurrence of these issues.

Looking at the calendar year, 2025 is shaping up to be the second worst of his career in terms of continuity, though still ahead of 2024, when he managed just two official appearances in 12 months - and 42 minutes

Far from his best years in Paris and even further from the more physically consistent spell at Barcelona. After six consecutive matches following his Santos debut, Neymar picked up his first injury, which forced him to stop.

Since 3 March, he has played just two more matches before suffering a fresh setback against Atletico Mineiro. The Sao Paulo-based club are now implementing a specific plan to get him back to fitness.