Injury Update: USA May Witness Neymar in Copa America As Al Hilal Receive Big Boost

Will Neymar Jr play in the Copa America 2024? The answer to this question for the longest has been a strong ‘NO’. The Brazilian icon suffered his season-ending knee injury in October, which sidelined him from a lot of mainstream action. However, there is some positive news emerging from the Al Hilal medical camp. While it brings back a smile on everyone’s face, its latest reports hint at a potential change of schedule for the 31-year-old’s participation in the summer camp. That can also have significant implications for the Brazil NT and, in turn, Copa America.

Just a few weeks ago, Brazil’s national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar expressed confidence that Neymar would likely return from knee surgery by August 2024 when the new season begins. However, the most recent update indicates that the winger’s recovery is progressing even faster than anticipated.

The latest update on Neymar’s injury

As per the latest reports from Abdullah Al-Hanyan, Neymar will be fully prepared and fit to join Al Hilal for their summer camp. These summer camps typically take place in the first or second week of July after players return from their vacation. Undoubtedly, this is a positive development compared to his previous estimated return date of August. On the other hand, Copa America in the USA commences on June 20. As for Brazil, they will be playing their final group stage match on July 2, 2024. Now, that glimmer of hope does shine brighter than ever!

Additionally, if the Selecao performs well and events transpire favorably, there exists a notable likelihood for Neymar to participate in the elimination stages of the competition. While the whole situation is still like a far-fetched dream, this is certainly a hopeful update. While it’s harder for Brazil to find a replacement, table toppers Al Hilal who honestly seem unaffected are already eyeing three potential players who could serve as viable replacements for Neymar.

Al Hilal hunt alternatives for its $418 million investment

Al Hilal, currently without Neymar, is actively considering options to strengthen the team for the second half of the season. One player they have set their sights on is Denis Bouanga, the talented winger from Los Angeles FC. However, a couple of French clubs have also expressed interest in the versatile attacker.

Read More: David Villa Says Al Hilal Have a ‘Great Roster’ Despite Neymar’s Absence, Citing Savic & Mitrovic’s Importance – “Scoring a Lot of Goals”

If this pursuit does not come to fruition, Al Hilal has another target in mind – Lucas Digne, the left-back from Aston Villa. Additionally, there are reports of the Saudi side’s interest in signing Raphael Guerreiro from Bayern Munich. He is a versatile player who can also play as a makeshift midfielder. Evidently, the Riyad-based club is fully dedicated to bolstering their left side in the absence of Neymar.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

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