<p>Brazil forward Neymar will not recover from knee surgery in time to play at next year's Copa America, national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said on Tuesday.</p><p>Brazil's top scorer underwent surgery last month after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty in October.</p><p>Lasmar, who carried out the surgery, said the 31-year-old is not expected to be fit until August and they do not intend to take short cuts in the recovery process for him to play at the June 20-July 14 tournament in the United States.</p><p>"There won't be time, it's too early, there's no point skipping steps to recover sooner and taking unnecessary risks," Lasmar told Brazilian radio station Radio 98 FM.</p>.No one under pressure to assume Neymar's role in Brazil: Coach Fernando Diniz before World Cup qualifiers.<p>"We expect that he will be ready to return at the start of the 2024 season in Europe, which is in August. We need to be patient. Talking about a return before nine months is premature.</p><p>"It is very important to have the time it takes for the body to build that ligament. The expectation is that after this time, he will have recovered at a high level."</p><p>Neymar joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in August but the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward played only five games as he struggled with muscle injuries.</p><p>Brazil have been drawn in Group D for the Copa America with Colombia, Paraguay and a CONCACAF qualifier.</p>
<p>Brazil forward Neymar will not recover from knee surgery in time to play at next year's Copa America, national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said on Tuesday.</p><p>Brazil's top scorer underwent surgery last month after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty in October.</p><p>Lasmar, who carried out the surgery, said the 31-year-old is not expected to be fit until August and they do not intend to take short cuts in the recovery process for him to play at the June 20-July 14 tournament in the United States.</p><p>"There won't be time, it's too early, there's no point skipping steps to recover sooner and taking unnecessary risks," Lasmar told Brazilian radio station Radio 98 FM.</p>.No one under pressure to assume Neymar's role in Brazil: Coach Fernando Diniz before World Cup qualifiers.<p>"We expect that he will be ready to return at the start of the 2024 season in Europe, which is in August. We need to be patient. Talking about a return before nine months is premature.</p><p>"It is very important to have the time it takes for the body to build that ligament. The expectation is that after this time, he will have recovered at a high level."</p><p>Neymar joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in August but the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward played only five games as he struggled with muscle injuries.</p><p>Brazil have been drawn in Group D for the Copa America with Colombia, Paraguay and a CONCACAF qualifier.</p>