Fluminense playmaker Neves out for two months

Rio de Janeiro, May 31 (IANS) Fluminense announced they will be without former Brazil international midfielder Thiago Neves for at least two months.

Neves will undergo surgery on his injured left knee Thursday and is not expected to return until late July or early August.

The 27-year-old had been carrying the injury for several weeks but decided to delay surgery until the end of Fluminense's Copa Libertadores campaign, reports Xinhua.

The team was eliminated from South America's elite club tournament by Argentina's Boca Juniors last week.

Neves is the latest to join an extensive injury list for the Rio de Janeiro club, which also includes Deco, Diguinho, Fred, Rafael Sobis and Bruno.

Deco and Bruno are reportedly making good progress from muscle problems and could be available for Fluminense's next match against Santos in Brazil's Serie A June 6.