The Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar is expected to be out of action for up to three months after he undergoes surgery on his broken metatarsal, according to Brazil’s team doctor.

Rodrigo Lasmar, quoted on the website of the Brazilian newspaper O Globo, said the world’s most expensive footballer was resigned to the lengthy lay-off. The 26-year-old was carried off nine minutes from the end of his side’s 3-0 win over Marseille on Sunday.

Lasmar said, according to O Globo: “Neymar suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal, it is an important fracture in a foot bone. The operation will be in Belo Horizonte on Saturday morning, and the recovery takes from two and a half months to three months. That depends a lot on his post-surgery recovery. We will have more details after the procedure.”

“Neymar is, of course, upset, sad, down, but understands that he has no alternative now. He will devote himself to being well as soon as possible. We will do our best to get him ready as soon as possible.”

The injury has also been confirmed by PSG: “After tests, and with the player’s agreement, it has been decided that surgery is the best option,” the club said. “He will be operated on in Brazil at the end of the week.”

The lay-off means Neymar could miss the rest of the domestic season, returning to fitness just weeks before Brazil’s World Cup campaign.