Brazilian forward Neymar, will not be able to return from knee surgery in time to participate in the upcoming Copa America, according to the Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.
Neymar, the leading goal scorer for Brazil had surgery last month after injuring his left knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus while playing for the national team in October. The surgeon, Lasmar, stated that the player is unlikely to recover until August and emphasized that they will not rush the recovery process to ensure he can participate in the tournament in the United States from June 20th to July 14th.
“There won’t be time, it’s too early, there’s no point skipping steps to recover sooner and taking unnecessary risks,” Lasmar told Brazilian radio station Radio 98 FM.
“We expect that he will be ready to return at the start of the 2024 season in Europe, which is in August. We need to be patient. Talking about a return before nine months is premature.
“It is very important to have the time it takes for the body to build that ligament. The expectation is that after this time, he will have recovered at a high level.”
Neymar signed with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in August, but he only managed to play five games due to muscle injuries. Brazil has been placed in Group D for the Copa America alongside Colombia, Paraguay, and a CONCACAF qualifier.
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