Neymar Junior will not participate in the 2024 Copa America, scheduled for June and July in the United States, due to a serious injury suffered in October.
The medical team of the Brazilian National Team has announced the news.
The star of the “Seleção” was injured during the loss to Uruguay in Montevideo in the World Cup 2026 qualifying match, according to “Gazeta Express.”
The former player of Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain left the field on a stretcher, crying, and underwent surgery in November due to a torn cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee. “He will need at least nine months of rehabilitation to return and play after such an injury, one of the most severe for a player,” said Brazilian doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, dismissing the possibility of Neymar participating in the Copa America, which will start on June 20 and end on July 14. This event brings together ten National Teams of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) and six from the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf).
“There won’t be enough time; it’s too early. It doesn’t make sense to rush and bring him back prematurely, risking unnecessary dangers,” Lasmar declared to “Radio brasiliana 98 Fm.”
“We need to be patient. Talking about a return before nine months is premature,” he continued.
The doctor also spoke about the return from the serious injury of the 31-year-old, who plays for the Saudi team Al-Hilal.
“We expect that after this period, he will fully recover, ready to return to playing at high levels, with good results, without any limitations,” Lasmar concluded.
