Bad News for Neymar: Out of 2024 Copa America with Brazil, Doctor Says

Operated on in November following a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee, it is unlikely that Neymar will be able to participate in the upcoming Copa America scheduled from June 20 to July 14.

This was announced by the Seleção’s doctor, Dr. Lasmar, last Tuesday. Due to the severity of the injury suffered in October, the Brazilian playmaker is not expected to be fit for the tournament to be held in the United States in 2024.

« He won’t have the time; it’s too early. There’s no point in rushing the steps to get him back on track ahead of schedule and take unnecessary risks, » said Dr. Lasmar on Brazilian Radio 98 FM. « We need to be patient. Talking about a return before nine months is premature. »

Nevertheless, Dr. Lasmar expressed reassuring optimism about the 31-year-old player’s prospects of returning to his pre-injury level. « We expect him to be fully recovered by the end of this period, ready to return to the highest level, with convincing performances, and without any kind of restriction, » he assured.

Neymar sustained the injury with Brazil in October. Evacuated on a stretcher in tears, Neymar underwent surgery in November to address the torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee.