Neymar Jr. is one of the most skilled players of this generation. However, prone to injuries, the Brazil Football Team’s all-time record goalscorer has failed to reach his potential. After suffering a serious ACL tear during Brazil’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Uruguay, it is unlikely to see the star winger on the pitch anytime soon. 

 3 things you need to know 

• Neymar is set to miss Copa America 2024 
• Neymar tore his ACL vs Uruguay
• The Brazilian’s recovery doesn't seem promising 

Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar believes Neymar won’t be able to compete in Copa America 2024 

Neymar, the standout player for Al-Hilal, will be unable to compete in the 2024 Copa America owing to a significant knee injury, according to Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar. Neymar, who made a high-profile summer move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for a rumoured €90 million transfer price, has struggled, appearing in only five games for his new team and scoring one goal.

On October 17, the 31-year-old suffered a ruptured ACL and meniscus in his left knee during Brazil's 2-0 loss to Uruguay in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Despite having a successful operation two weeks later, his recuperation time will not allow him to compete in the Copa America. According to ESPN, Lasmar told Rede 98 this information:

“It's too early. There's no point in skipping steps to recover sooner and taking unnecessary risks. Our expectation is that he will be prepared to return at the start of the 2024 season in Europe, which is August.”

“We need to be patient. Talking about a return before nine months is premature, this is a global concept for knee ligament surgeries recovery. It is very important to respect the biological time, the time the body takes to reconstruct that ligament. If we follow those steps and after a long recovery, the expectation is that he can perform again at a high level.”

When does Copa America 2024 start?

June 20 is the anticipated start date of the 2024 Copa America, and it ends on July 14. Brazil is grouped alongside Colombia, Paraguay, and the winner of the Costa Rica vs. Honduras match in Group D.