Copa America 2024: Who Will Step Up in Neymar’s Absence for Brazil?
The doctors have confirmed that Neymar, Brazil’s top goal-scorer, will be unable to participate in the 2024 Copa America. In an official statement on Wednesday (Dec 20), it was announced that he will miss the tournament due to a knee injury suffered during the international break in October. The surgery he underwent means he will be out of action for at least 10 months, causing him to miss not only the continental competition in the USA (special edition) but also crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March 2024.
Neymar’s absence has been confirmed by doctors
“It’s too early to take unnecessary risks and skip steps to get better sooner,” said Rodrigo Lasmar, Brazil’s football team doctor. “We expect him to be ready to return in August 2024, when the European season begins,” he told Brazil’s Rede 98.
When Neymar is injured, Brazil will have to turn to players like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo to score. In his absence, Neymar left Paris Saint-Germain in June, days after Lionel Messi left the club for Inter Miami. Real Madrid’s duo will be the first choice in the absence of the former Barcelona man who had a remarkable 2023.
In his country’s World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay on Oct. 17, Neymar suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, which required surgery two weeks later.
With 79 goals, Neymar is currently the leading goal scorer for the national team, having recently surpassed Pele’s 77 goals.