Neymar will not play in the 2024 Copa América. The tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus that the player suffered in October with the Brazil shirt explains his absence in the international tournament. The injury occurred on the fourth qualifying matchday for the 2026 World Cup against Uruguay, at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo.
This was confirmed by Rodrigo Lasmar, a 'canarinha' doctor, in an interview for the Brazilian media Rádio 98 fm. “He won't have time to recover. It's very early. It is not worth burning through the stages to recover it ahead of time and take unnecessary risks,” he stated.
The Copa América, which will be held in the United States between June and July of next year, does not fall within the recovery periods of the Brazil captain. Lasmar also assured that “talking about a return before nine months is premature” and that, therefore, “the expectation” is that the forward will return to the playing fields next August.
"You have to be patient. It is very important to take the biological time it takes for the body to incorporate that ligament. The expectation is that he will then recover to a high level,” added the doctor of the five-time world champion. In this regard, the Saudi Al-Hilal player has shared several publications this week in which we can see how he is evolving in his recovery in Brazil.
"A month of crying and a lot of pain. I'm moving forward," was one of the messages that Neymar posted on Instagram. The loss of the '10' represents a setback for the Seleçao, which has not had its best year in terms of football. The Verdeamarela is sixth in the South American qualifying round and suffered its third consecutive defeat in the qualifying phase in November, after losing its historic undefeated record at home against Argentina (0-1).
In addition, the position of coach of the Brazilian team is also in doubt. Fernando Diniz was chosen in July to lead the team, after Tite's departure after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Meanwhile, the possibility of Ancelotti taking over the reins of the South American team once his commitment ends is hovering in the air. with Real Madrid.
The former president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, confirmed the Italian coach as coach of the 'canarinha' in July. However, 'Carletto' has thrown the ball away about the possibility of directing the Verdeamarela, when he was asked about this issue at a press conference and has not confirmed any agreement with the Brazilian organization so far.
