In a major setback for Brazil, Neymar Jr. will not be participating in the upcoming Copa América tournament as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury. The former Barcelona and PSG star suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay last October.

Monday evening's opening match against Costa Rica at SoFi Stadium will see Brazil take to the field without their prolific forward. Neymar's absence will be felt, as he is widely regarded as one of the world's most coveted attacking talents.

The 29-year-old's prolonged absence comes as no surprise, considering the severity of his injury and his history of previous setbacks. With his advancing age, the recovery process is expected to take a considerable amount of time.

Real Madrid duo, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes, are expected to fill the void left by Neymar's absence and are likely to start for Brazil. Additionally, 17-year-old sensation Endryck is pressing for a spot in the starting eleven, showcasing the depth of talent in the Brazilian squad.

Neymar's presence on the field will be sorely missed by both his compatriots and fans worldwide. His dynamic playing style and goal-scoring ability have always made him a key asset for the Brazilian national team. However, his extended absence allows other players to step up and prove their worth on the international stage.

As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for Neymar's return from injury. It is evident that his recovery will take time, and Brazil will have to navigate the Copa América without their star player. Nevertheless, the team remains one of the favorites for lifting the trophy, showcasing the depth of talent within their ranks.

Fans and pundits will closely follow Neymar's progress as he recovers from his knee injury, eagerly awaiting his return to the pitch. In the meantime, Brazil will aim to kickstart their Copa América campaign with a victory against Costa Rica and show their formidable strength as they vie for the coveted trophy.