Neymar hat trick has Santos out of relegation zone

"Despite playing with a knee injury, the Brazilian star netted all three goals within a decisive 17-minute span in the second half to secure the vital win for Santos. Sources informed ESPN Brasil last week that Neymar, 33, will likely require arthroscopic surgery at the end of the season to address a meniscus injury in his left knee. Neymar played the last two Santos matches while continuing with a conservative treatment to manage the pain, sources added."

"The former Barcelona star scored his first goal in the 56th minute after a quick counter-attack. Less than 10 minutes later, Neymar struck again, finishing accurately from an Igor Vinícius cross. He completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, shortly before being substituted in the 83rd minute. The victory significantly distances Neymar's boyhood club from the relegation zone with only one match remaining in the season."

Neymar scored a second-half hat trick as Santos defeated Juventude 3-0, with all three goals coming within a 17-minute span despite a knee injury. Sources indicated Neymar, 33, will likely need arthroscopic surgery after the season to treat a left meniscus issue, and he has been managing pain with conservative treatment during recent matches. The goals occurred in the 56th minute, shortly after from an Igor Vinícius cross, and from a penalty before he was substituted in the 83rd minute. The win leaves Santos two points clear of Vitória with one match remaining; a victory in the final match will secure top-flight survival.

Read at ESPN.com