Dhaka, Dec. 9 -- Neymar is set to have knee surgery after playing in pain to help boyhood club Santos avoid relegation from Brazil's Serie A, raising doubts around the winger's chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup (WC).

The 33-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Santos claimed a 3-0 win over Cruzeiro on Sunday to avoid an immediate return to the second tier after promotion last season.

Neymar returned to Brazil's top-flight in January after making just seven appearances over 18 months for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, playing a crucial role in Santos' survival by scoring five goals in their last four matches of the season.

"I came for this, to try to help in the best way I can," Neymar told reporters after the game. "These hav...