Contexts

Neymar's absence from the Brazil national team has been profoundly felt, particularly during the Copa America 2024, where the team struggled to meet the high expectations set for them as one of the tournament favorites. The Brazilian squad, once seen as a strong contender for the title, faced disappointment, largely attributed to Neymar's injury. The star forward suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee back in October 2023, which sidelined him for the crucial tournament. The impact of Neymar's injury was evident as Brazil's performance faltered, contrasting sharply with their previous successes. The team, which had finished as runners-up to Argentina in the 2021 tournament, found it challenging to adapt without their key player. Manager Jorge Jesus had hoped for a swift recovery, but the reality of Neymar's condition meant that the team had to navigate the competition without his talents on the pitch. Despite the setback, Neymar has been making strides in his recovery. Recently, images surfaced of him back on the training pitch, hinting at his determination to regain full fitness. However, the road to recovery from an ACL injury is long and arduous, often taking six months to over a year. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, emphasized the importance of Neymar's return, stating that football is simply better when he is playing. As the 2024 Copa America approaches, Neymar faces a race against time to be fit for the tournament, which runs from June 20 to July 14. The Brazilian fans and football community alike are hopeful for his swift recovery, knowing that his presence could significantly elevate the team's chances of success.