Neymar, Dybala and more: 5 best footballers who will not be part of Copa America 2024
The footballing world is gearing up for two of the biggest international tournaments to start simultaneously: Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024. The Copa America 2024 will start in a fortnight's time (June 20). The South American sides are already in the last stages of their preparation for the all-important tournament.
Lionel Messi's Argentina were the last side to win the Copa America in 2021, winning it in Brazil. The Albiceleste defeated Neymar's Brazil to claim their record 15th title. Messi and Co. will look to defend their title but will be challenged by a revamped Brazilian side and a strong Uruguay team under Marcelo Bielsa.
However, several key players will miss out on their chance to shine at the Copa America 2024 because of injuries or other factors. Here, we will discuss the top five players who will miss out on Copa America action for various reasons.
Top 5 players who will not participate in Copa America 2024
1. Neymar
The most prominent player to miss the Copa America 2024 is Neymar. He was ruled out of the tournament after suffering an ACL injury in October 2022 in a World Cup qualifier match where Brazil faced Uruguay in a 2-0 loss. The upcoming Copa could have been one of Neymar’s final chances to win an international trophy with Brazil, a crown that he has always hoped to have.
Neymar was one of the most significant players for Brazil in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored the only goal for Brazil against Croatia in the quarter-final during extra time before they lost 4-2 on penalties. He was also close to winning the 2021 Copa America with the Selecao but lost 1-0 to Argentina in the final. He is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 games.
Various injuries have always plagued Neymar’s career, arguably making his case that of the biggest “what could have been” for football. It is unknown when Neymar will return on pitch so Brazil will have to find its way to shine without him.
2. Casemiro
Manchester United star Casemiro hasn't been included in Brazil’s squad for the Copa America 2024. The midfielder's form has arguably deteriorated since moving to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in 2022, which could be the probable reason behind his exclusion. The Brazilian scored one goal and provided two assists in 25 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils last season.
3. Paulo Dybala
One major exclusion in the Argentina squad is that of Roma star Paulo Dybala, who was a part of Lionel Scaloni’s plan in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Dybala has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 28 Serie A appearances for Roma last season.
Dybala has suffered a great deal due to injuries, missing 16 games last season. This could be a possible reason Scaloni did not include him in his squad for Copa America 2024. The Roma star took the coach’s decision sportingly, admitting that the former took the call for the good of the team. However, Dybala mentioned that it was a big blow for him.
4. Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is another major exclusion from Brazil’s Copa America 2024 squad this summer. Jesus has found the net four times and set up five more goals in 27 Premier League appearances for the Gunners. However, it wasn't enough for him to make it to the Selecao’s star-studded attacking line-up featuring Vinicius Jr, Endrick, and Rodrygo, among others.
Jesus has also been struggling due to a knee injury and has not been able to perform at his best this season. Jesus’s teammate Gabriel Martinelli made the cut to join Dorival Junior’s Copa America 2024 squad this time.
5. Richarlison
The final player to have not made the cut to Dorival Junior squad for the Copa America 2024 is Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison. The Spurs player was the highest scorer for the Selecao in the 2022 FIFA World Cup with three goals.
Richarlison has also suffered due to fitness woes this season, but scored 11 times and assisted four more in 28 league appearances for the Spurs. He missed out on the Brazil squad due to a calf injury.
Honorable Mention: Edinson Cavani
Apart from the players on the list, Uruguay will miss Edinson Cavani a lot in Copa America 2024. The Uruguay marksman is the second-highest goalscorer for his national team with 58 goals in 136 caps.
Edinson Cavani announced his retirement from international football on May 30 through his official Instagram profile.