Al-Hilal’s Brazilian star was injured playing for his country in October and is not expected to return until next season Al-Hilal star Neymar is certain to miss the 2024 Copa America in the US, a spokesman for the Brazil national team has told Arriyadiyah. Rodrigo Pavia said the 32-year-old star will not join the Selecao squad despite the fact that the Brazilian team will not play their first match until June 24, against opponents yet to be confirmed. “Neymar will not participate in the Copa America,” he told Arriyadiyah on Sunday. “This is something that has become certain, as his recovery will not be completed by that time.” “We might expect him to return for the World Cup qualifiers next September, I think he may be ready by then.” Neymar’s personal fitness trainer and compatriot Ricardo Rosa is currently overseeing the third stage of the player’s rehabilitation, private sources revealed to Arriyadiyah. Neymar suffered a rupture in the cruciate ligament of his left knee during his country’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Oct. 18, and later underwent surgery at the Hospital Mater Dei in Belo Horizonte at the hands of Rodrigo Lasmar, the Brazilian national team doctor. Lasmar has insisted he will not rush Neymar back to action and that he expects the player to return at the start of next season, specifically during August.