Neymar's Absence: Bolivia Match Without Brazil's Star Player

Neymar Jr. did not play against Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers because of a serious knee injury. The Brazilian star suffered an ACL tear and meniscus tear in his left knee during a match against Uruguay in Montevideo. This injury kept him out of action for an extended period, including the match against Bolivia.

Neymar suffered an ACL tear and meniscus tear in his left knee

Neymar Jr. suffered an ACL tear and meniscus tear in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier match against Uruguay in October 2023. The injury occurred just before halftime when the forward tripped in an innocuous-looking incident and was immediately surrounded by concerned teammates. Neymar was in tears as he left the field and has not played since.

The Brazilian star was playing for his country, Brazil, in a crucial World Cup qualifier when he sustained the injury. He was taken off the field on a stretcher, and it was later confirmed by his club, Al Hilal, that he had suffered tears to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee. This type of injury typically requires a lengthy recovery period, and Neymar is expected to go through a slow and lengthy rehabilitation process.

At the time of his injury, Neymar was 31 years old and had a history of injuries. Given his age and previous setbacks, it was clear that he would not be able to participate in the 2024 Copa América tournament. The recovery process for an injury of this nature can take anywhere from six to twelve months, and it involves rebuilding strength in the affected area.

Neymar has continued his recovery process in Los Angeles, where he has trained alongside the Brazilian national team. While he will not be able to play in the upcoming Copa América, he is making good progress and is expected to return to the practice field in July, in time for the start of the new Saudi Pro League campaign with his club, Al Hilal.

He was ruled out for the season by his club, Al-Hilal

Neymar Jr. was ruled out for the season by his club, Al-Hilal, after suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023. During a World Cup qualifier match against Uruguay, the Brazilian star tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee. This injury required surgery and a lengthy recovery process, with an initial estimate of six to twelve months for his return to the pitch.

At the time of his injury, Neymar had only managed to play five games for Al-Hilal before being sidelined. The Saudi club made the decision to deregister him from their roster for the remainder of the season, allowing them to bring in another foreign player. However, they plan to re-register him once he is fully fit and has completed his rehabilitation.

Neymar's absence from the pitch extended beyond his club duties, as he also missed out on the 2024 Copa América tournament with the Brazilian national team. Despite his eagerness to play, with the tournament taking place only eight months after his injury, it was clear that he would not be able to participate.

Neymar's recovery process has involved rebuilding strength around his knee, and he has been working with the club physiotherapist, Samer Al Shahrani. As of July 2024, he was making good progress and expected to return to the practice field that month, preparing for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign.

The Brazilian required surgery and a lengthy recovery period

Neymar suffered an ACL tear and meniscus tear in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier match against Uruguay in Montevideo. The injury occurred just before half-time when the forward tripped in an innocuous-looking incident and was immediately surrounded by concerned teammates. He left the field in tears and has not played since.

Neymar underwent ACL and meniscus surgery in Brazil, and his recovery was expected to take between six and twelve months. The Brazilian star worked to rebuild strength around his knee and was making good progress. He continued his recovery in Los Angeles, training alongside the national team as they prepared for the 2024 Copa América.

At 32 years old, Neymar's advancing age meant that the recovery would take a while. His absence from the 2024 Copa América was quickly apparent, and he focused on preparing for the new Saudi Pro League campaign with his club, Al-Hilal. The club decided to deregister Neymar for the remainder of the season, allowing them to bring in another foreign player, with plans to re-register him once fully fit.

He missed the 2024 Copa América as a result of the injury

Neymar Jr. missed the 2024 Copa América due to a serious knee injury. In October 2023, during a World Cup qualifier match against Uruguay, the Brazilian star suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus tear in his left knee. This injury typically requires a lengthy recovery period, and Neymar had not played any matches since.

At the time of his injury, it was clear that Neymar would not be able to participate in the 2024 Copa América, which was scheduled for June-July 2024. The Brazilian team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, confirmed that Neymar would undergo a "slow and lengthy rehabilitation process" due to the complexity of the injury.

Neymar's absence from the 2024 Copa América was a significant loss for Brazil, as he is the nation's all-time top goalscorer and a key member of the team. Despite his injury, Neymar continued his recovery process and was expected to return to the practice field in July 2024, preparing for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign with his club, Al-Hilal.

Neymar's injury and subsequent absence from the Copa América placed a spotlight on his history of injuries and raised questions about his recovery and return to competitive football. Nevertheless, he was determined to regain his strength and return to the pitch, even visiting Los Angeles to train alongside the national team as they prepared for the tournament.

Neymar's return was not imminent, according to his coach at Al-Hilal

Neymar's return to Al-Hilal was not imminent, according to his coach at the Saudi Arabian club. The forward had suffered an ACL tear and a meniscus tear in his left knee while playing for Brazil against Uruguay. This injury kept him out of action for a long time and required surgery, with a recovery time of between six and twelve months.

Neymar had only managed five games for Al-Hilal before picking up the injury. The Brazilian star was working on rebuilding strength around his knee and was making good progress. He was expected to return to the practice field in July, ready to start preparations for the new Saudi Pro League campaign. However, his coach at Al-Hilal announced that Neymar would not be ready for an imminent return to the club.

Neymar's injury occurred in November 2023, and he was still not fit to play for Al-Hilal in July 2024, when he was left out of Brazil's squad for the Copa América. By October 2024, Neymar was back in training with Al-Hilal, but his coach stated that he was not yet ready for a return to play. The exact date of Neymar's return to competitive football remains uncertain.

Frequently asked questions