Anyone that says that Brazil doesn't need Neymar or Brazil plays better than Neymar does not know football. They don't know the role of Neymar in any team.
Brazil can go a few games without Neymar, but they will definitely need the creativity of Neymar in some very important games tat will come up for them in the world cup. He is a hyped player in brazil by their coach, and he is not just hyped for hyping sake, but because they all recognize that his creativity and experience is a key factor for the team. In Brazils first goal against Serbia, Neymar's creativity got the ball close to Vinicius to push it the way of Richarlison to score. Great news that his injury has not completely taking him out of the world cup completely.
You said it correctly, that is what is happening and many people do not know about it. Brazil can go through at the group stage without Neymar and they will be okay but from the knock-out stage it is where they will need the influence and creativity of Neymar in the pitch to push them to the next level. Nobody has such a great player and he says that he does not contribute anything. Neymar is a superstar naturally he left his wing for Junior because he can still operate from another wing and put the country in a winning table.
The information that many Brazilians are happy because he is injured is false, no good lover of football will not like to watch Neymar play in the field letalone his country men.