Doctor Rodrigo Lasmar of the Brazil national team stated on Tuesday that forward Neymar will not be able to compete in the Copa America next year following his knee surgery.
Following an October meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in his left knee while playing for his country, Brazil’s leading scorer had surgery last month.
Lasmar, who carried out the surgery, said the 31-year-old is not expected to be fit until August and they do not intend to take short cuts in the recovery process for him to play at the June 20-July 14 tournament in the United States.
“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 joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in August but the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward played only five games as he struggled with muscle injuries.
Brazil have been drawn in Group D for the Copa America with Colombia, Paraguay and a CONCACAF qualifier
