Brazil forward Neymar will not recover from knee surgery in time to play at next year’s Copa America, national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Brazil’s top scorer underwent surgery last month after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty in October.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Brazil have been drawn in Group D for the Copa America with Colombia, Paraguay and a CONCACAF qualifier.<\/p>\n