Neymar and injuries seem inseparable. Throughout his career, he has repeatedly faced setbacks due to injuries. Every time Neymar dreams of achieving something extraordinary, injuries disrupt his plans. Many believe that his potential has never fully blossomed due to these injuries. Even now, Neymar remains off the field due to an injury. There are doubts whether he will be completely fit for the upcoming Copa America in the next year, as the tournament’s draw took place yesterday.
Injuries have kept Neymar off the field for extended periods during his playing time with PSG. Then, on October 17, 2026, during a match against Uruguay in the South American qualifiers for the World Cup, Neymar suffered an injury again. To correct a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament, he underwent surgery at Belo Horizonte in Brazil on November 2, as confirmed by Al Hilal’s star. Since then, Neymar has been in the process of rehabilitation.
A tear in the anterior cruciate ligament usually takes 9 to 12 months to heal. Often, athletes recover a bit earlier. However, Neymar’s susceptibility to injuries is no secret, and it might be challenging for him to return to the field before Copa America. Moreover, this injury might be more severe than his previous ones, raising concerns about his full recovery before the tournament.
Earlier, Neymar has suffered from metatarsal and hamstring issues. But this current injury seems more critical than the previous ones, which raises apprehensions about his readiness before Copa America next year. Even though Neymar’s fans hope for a swift recovery, it might take a considerable amount of time for him to return to his optimal form.
The seriousness of the injury might also affect Neymar’s career significantly. Previous experiences with such injuries have caused prolonged pain and discomfort for many footballers. So, even if Neymar recovers from the injury, whether he can fully regain his rhythm remains a question.
Medical experts for the Brazilian team have indicated that Neymar may need around 9 months to return to full fitness. His return to the field will depend on his readiness during the rehabilitation process.
There’s speculation that even if Neymar returns at the final stages of the group phase, he might not be fit to play. However, if Brazil progresses to the quarterfinals, there might be a chance to see Neymar back on the field. But it’s uncertain whether he’ll be able to join the team or take the risk of exacerbating the injury.
