Neymar, the striker for Saudi Al-Hilal, is showing "good progress" in his serious knee injury and is expected to return to play between July and August, according to Brazilian national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

The Canarinha's "10" is progressing "very well" from the torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee, although it seems unlikely that he will be available for the Copa America in the United States between June and July this year.

"We haven't even reached the halfway point of his recovery; only when we are closer to nine or ten months (of physiotherapy) can we confirm his return to the pitch," explained Lasmar in statements to the newspaper 'O Tempo' released this Friday.

Neymar underwent a medical review on Thursday at Lasmar's clinic in Belo Horizonte, where he was operated on after being injured on October 17 during the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Uruguay in Montevideo.

Since the surgery on November 2, the medical staff has worked from the start with an estimated recovery time of between nine and ten months.

The former Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain player spent the first few months of rehabilitation in Brazil, where he was seen at various events, and only returned to Saudi Arabia in February to continue treatment.

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The press questioned his fitness upon returning to the Saudi club, to which Neymar admitted he was "above" his usual weight but denied being "overweight."

In response to the criticisms, Brazil's new coach, Dorival Júnior, defended the 32-year-old forward and guaranteed that he is "a great professional."