The newspaper did not give a source but reproduced a photograph posted by the player's wife, Isabelle, on Instagram showing Silva wearing a French hospital wrist band with the caption: "Now just recover."

Isabelle Silva also posted an Instagram video showing her husband giving a thumbs up while lying on what appeared to be a hospital bed and then walking on crutches, with a bandage around his right knee.

French newspaper L'Equipe had reported that the 34-year-old might undergo keyhole surgery on a "meniscus injury".

Silva was captain of Brazil when they were humiliated by Germany 7-1 in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals on home soil.

Since the 2018 World Cup, he has only appeared in two friendlies under coach Tite, who will unveil his squad for the Copa America on May 17.