Brazil's national team doctor has revealed yet more devastating news regarding Neymar.
The Selecao's team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, has confirmed that the 31-year-old superstar will miss the 2024 Copa America.
Read: BANNED: 3 key Man City stars blocked from playing CWC final
With the tournament set to be held in the United States from 20 June until 14 July 2024, Brazil will be without their all-time top goalscorer due to the serious knee injury he sustained during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October.
After undergoing surgery in November, Lasmar has stated that Neymar will need at least nine months of recovery to return to full fitness.
"There won't be time. It's too early. There is no point in wanting to skip steps to recover it a month earlier, taking unnecessary risks," the doctor said during an interview with Rede 98.
"Our expectation is that he is being prepared to return at the start of the 2024 season, starting in August, something around that."
Lasmar, however, also indicated that the former Paris Saint-Germain talisman had a big role to play at the next World Cup in North America.
"Medicine has evolved a lot. Sports medicine keeps up with the most modern developments. The expectation is that he will play again. Of course, we need patience," he added.
"It's a procedure in which talking about a return before nine months is too early. The estimated time is something around that, it is a worldwide consensus for an anterior cruciate ligament recovery, even more so with associated peripheral injuries. It is important to have the biological time.
"It is the time that the body has to incorporate that ligament, becoming part of the natural function of the knee. The expectation is that after this time he will be fully recovered, ready to return to playing at a high level, with high performance, without restrictions.
"It is important for the national team. He is a fundamental piece in the preparation for the 2026 World Cup."
Read: OPINION: Jackson slander should be directed at Hojlund
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH:
