COPA AMÉRICA 2024
Why isn’t Neymar playing against Uruguay in the Copa America quarterfinals?
The former Barcelona and PSG star, and all-time top scorer for his nation, is absent for this summer’s tournament in the United States.
Brazil played Colombia in their final Copa América group stage game last Tuesday night, which ended 1 - 1 . That meant that both teams advanced to the next round, where Brazil will face Uruguay in the quarter-finals and Colombia, as group leaders, go up against Panama.
La Selecao, as is often the case, are the favourites to lift the trophy and they boast many of the world’s most coveted attacking talents. Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes look set to start for Brazil in most games, while 17-year-old sensation Endryck is pushing for a starting berth. And for the Uruguay test, he almost certainly will take that step, as Vini cannot play.
One name that will not feature at all this summer is Neymar Jr., after the former Barcelona star suffered a serious knee injury last October. Neymar was playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He was taken from the field in tears and has not played since.
When will Neymar Jr. return from injury?
Even at the time, eight months ahead of the tournament, it was quickly clear that Neymar would play no part in the 2024 Copa América. The 32-year-old has a history of injuries and his advancing age means that the recovery would take a while.
He is currently signed with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, with whom he managed just five games before picking up the injury. Club physiotherapist Samer Al Shahrani has revealed that the Brazilian star is working to rebuild strength around his knee. Neymar is thought to be making good progress and should return to the practice field in July, ready to start preparations for the new Saudi Pro League campaign.
In the meantime Neymar has continued his recovery in Los Angeles, where he has trained alongside the national team as they prepared for this summer’s tournament. He was visited by Vinicius, Raphinha and Marquinhos at Drake Stadium last month and will be in the stands as Brazil look to recapture the Copa América crown.