Copa America Spotlight in Jeopardy as Injury Extends Neymar’s Exile by 5 Months

Neymar has been off the soccer scene for quite some time. The Brazilian superstar continues to recover from his season-ending injury, which he sustained during the World Cup qualifiers. With his domestic season seemingly cut short just after it began, questions mounting about his participation in the impending Copa America. Unfortunately, his dream to represent Brazil faces a setback, as reports indicate it will take him an additional five months to recover.

After suffering the blow, Neymar underwent successful surgery for his torn ACL and cartilage. Although the 32YO had been living in Brazil, he returned to Riyadh after 100 days. Now, as per the renewed physiotherapist, Thamar Alshahrani, Neymar will begin the initial phase of rehabilitation at the club headquarters. The Al Hilal star will undergo several tests, including fully bending and completely straightening the knee, assessing for the disappearance of swelling and slight pain, as well as muscle strength and functional tests. However, there’s a catch!

The winger would need to put in an extra five months of work to make a fruitful return. It means his appearance in the Copa America tournament is in jeopardy as it commences between June 20 and July 14. Hypothetically, if Neymar somehow recovers, he can play in the finals, considering that his nation reached there. Yet, it’s unlikely that Brazil will feature him in their 23-man squad for a single match. Additionally, if he completes the tests, a new phase will be initiated, keeping him involved in a more intensive strengthening and running regimen. 

Notably, the recovery process will be long, making it certain for him to miss the tournament. Meanwhile, as if his absence from the Copa America wasn’t shocking enough, his former club’s president made a bombshell revelation regarding his future.

Neymar to rejoin his former childhood club, Santos?

In a recent interview, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira expressed his interest in signing Neymar. While insisting that the conversation with the winger to join Santos was ‘quick,’ it certainly left a ‘good effect.‘ He then added, “To come back and play here, he needs to recover well from injury. He will continue his experience in Saudi Arabia and then come back here.”

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This assertion is indeed surprising, especially considering Neymar just signed a $400 million deal in the summer of 2023. Moreover, the playmaker is under contract with the Saudi Arabian side until the summer of 2025. Nonetheless, it will be intriguing to see what Neymar’s next move will be upon his return from injury.

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