PSG announces Neymar surgery, dad says he could miss two months

Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar Jr. could miss up to two months of action due to his injured right ankle, according to his dad, Neymar Sr.

The Ligue 1 club announced on Wednesday that Neymar will undergo surgery on the ankle.

His father told ESPN Brazil that Neymar will miss six to eight weeks of action after suffering the injury during PSG's 3-0 victory against Marseille at the Parc des Princes stadium Sunday. PSG battles Real Madrid in the second leg of its Champions League matchup at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Neymar is not expected to play.

"Yes, of course he is is out against Real Madrid," Neymar Sr. told ESPN FC. "It is absurd if anybody thinks otherwise."

PSG manager Unai Emery sounded optimistic that Neymar would suit up against Madrid when he made comments earlier this week. That was before the club publicly confirmed his surgery.

"After an initial treatment period of three days inline with a strict medical protocol, a joint decision has been taken between the medical staffs of both Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team," the club said in its release Wednesday.

"In accordance with the player, it has been decided that Neymar Jr. will undergo surgery in Brazil at the end of this week."

"He will be operated on by Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar, accompanied by Professor Saillant, representing PSG."

The club said Monday that an ultrasound and MRI revealed that Neymar had a twisted right ankle and a hairline fracture of the fifth metatarsal, but Emery said the rumors that Neymar would undergo surgery were "untrue" when he spoke to reporters on Tuesday.

"Concerning Neymar, the rumors that he will undergo surgery are untrue. I spoke with the doctor this morning," Emery said. "Neymar suffered a twisted ankle and the subsequent examination revealed a hairline fracture of the fifth metatarsal. We will see how he responds to treatment in the coming days and make a decision in accordance with him. I am not worried."

Emery also said at the time that "there is a small chance that he will be available against Real Madrid."

PSG faces Marseille again on Wednesday before battling Troyes on Saturday. After hosting Real Madrid, the club faces Metz, Angers and OGC Nice.

Neymar has 19 goals and 13 assists in 20 appearances for PSG in Ligue 1. He has six goals and three assists in seven Champions League appearances.