RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Botafogo goalkeeper Neto will miss the rest of the Brazilian football season after suffering a serious thigh injury, the Rio de Janeiro club said on Tuesday.

Neto sustained the injury in the first half of Botafogo's 1-0 loss to Sao Paulo on Sunday and had to be replaced by Leo Linck.

Tests revealed the 36-year-old will require surgery and is expected to be sidelined for up to five months.

"Neto suffered a complete rupture of the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh," Botafogo said in a statement on social media. "We wish him strength and a speedy recovery."

Neto, who has one Brazil cap, has made four appearances for Botafogo since joining the reigning Brazilian and Copa Libertadores champions from Bournemouth last month. ■