Brazilian football star Neymar is facing a significant recovery period following a severe knee injury, as stated by Rodrigo Lasmar, the doctor for Brazil’s national team. Neymar underwent a successful operation on November 2 in Brazil to repair damage to the anterior cruciate ligaments and meniscus in his left knee.
While no specific timeframe for recovery has been provided, the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) is optimistic that Neymar, aged 31, will be fit for the 2024 Copa America, scheduled to be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14. Lasmar, who performed the surgery, reported on Monday that Neymar’s recovery is progressing well, although he is still in the early stages. The complexity of the injury requires Neymar to have an extended period of rehabilitation.
Neymar, who transferred to Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for €90 million, sustained the injury during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay in October. As Brazil’s all-time leading scorer among men, Neymar has had a history of injuries, including several to his right ankle and foot, which have caused him significant time away from the field.
In 2021, he missed six weeks due to injury and was sidelined for Brazil’s victorious 2019 Copa America campaign. This year, injuries have limited Neymar to just 17 appearances for his club and national team. While with PSG, he suffered an ankle injury in February and was out for five months.
Lasmar emphasized the gravity of Neymar’s current injury, noting it’s his third surgery and the most severe one to date. The recovery process requires Neymar’s full focus and dedication.
In related news, Lasmar also addressed concerns about Arsenal player Gabriel Jesus, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Despite being included in Brazil’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta had expressed that Jesus needed more recovery time. Lasmar reassured that the player’s situation is being closely monitored in cooperation with Arsenal’s medical team, emphasizing that no decisions have been made about when Jesus will return to play. Brazil’s coach Fernando Diniz’s approach involves keeping Jesus close to the team to monitor his day-to-day recovery.