Neymar Injury Update: Brazil's Copa América Journey Without Star Player

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 Seleção , as is often the case , are the favorites 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 . 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 ACL.

Neymar 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 . 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.

Former Barcelona striker Neymar is absent from the Brazilian national team squad for the entire 2024 Copa América , including the highly anticipated quarter - final match against Uruguay . Brazil faces a tough challenge in the quarter - finals against one of the tournament favorites . Besides Neymar 's absence , Brazil 's top scorer in the tournament , Vinicius Junior , will also miss the match due to a one - game suspension after accumulating two yellow cards . Neymar is sidelined for the quarter - final match against Uruguay due to a ruptured ACL and meniscus injury in his left leg . This type of injury requires about nine months of recovery , ruling him out of the entire Copa América 2024.

The injury occurred in October 2023 during a World Cup 2026 Qualifier match against Uruguay , which Brazil lost 2 - 0 . Neymar , who made his debut with the Brazilian national team in 2010 , has since scored 79 goals and provided 59 assists in 128 appearances , making him Brazil 's all - time leading scorer . Despite Neymar 's absence , Brazil will look to recapture the Copa América crown without their star player . The team will have to regroup and rely on other talents to lead them to victory in the upcoming matches.