Brazil superstar Neymar will not be able to compete in next year's Copa America due to knee surgery.
After suffering a damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty in October, Brazil's leading scorer underwent surgery last month.
National team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who performed the surgery, stated that the 31-year-old is not expected to be fully recovered until August and that they do not aim to rush him through the rehabilitation process for him to compete in the June 20-July 14 tournament in the United States.
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"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 anticipate that he will be ready to return for the start of the 2024 European season in August." We must be patient. It is premature to discuss a return before nine months.
"It's critical to have the time it takes the body to build that ligament." He is expected to have recovered greatly after this time."
Neymar joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in August, but the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker only played five games due to muscle ailments.
Brazil has been put in Copa America Group D alongside Colombia, Paraguay, and a CONCACAF qualifier.
