RIO DE JANEIRO - Santos forward Neymar has suffered a new setback in his bid to regain form and fitness after sustaining a thigh injury, the Brazilian club said on Friday.

The 33-year-old, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer, left training on Thursday with pain in his right thigh. Subsequent tests confirmed an injury to the rectus femoris muscle.

"Neymar Jr. has already begun treatment under the guidance of Santos FC's medical department," the club said in a statement, without giving a timetable for his return.

Neymar has not played for Brazil since a serious knee injury in October 2023. National team manager Carlo Ancelotti has left him out of recent squads, saying players must prove full fitness to be considered for the 2026 World Cup.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has managed 13 league appearances this season, scoring three goals. Santos are one point above the relegation zone after 22 matches.