October 15 – After a year on the sidelines, one of the Saudi Pro League superstar players could finally be back on the pitch. Brazilian international, Neymar, who has been out injured since sustaining a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty has returned to training with Al-Hilal.
Neymar resumed official training with Al-Hilal in late September after a lengthy rehabilitation process in his native Brazil. In his few weeks back in Saudi Arabia, Neymar – who cost Al-Hilal €90 million from French champions, PSG, in 2023 – has reportedly shown remarkable progress, and personnel associated with the club believe he could return in time for the Asian Champions League on October 21.
The four-time AFC Champions League winners have a rich history in this competition and clearly see the return of Neymar a key component on challenging for their first title since the 2021 season.
Before stepping on to the pitch, he will first need the approval of Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who carried out the surgery, however the final say on his return to action will lay with his coach, Jorge Jesus.
With Al Hilal, unbeaten in domestic play with a 100% record, and with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring goals for fun, Jesus, will not be taking any chances with the second highest paid player in the league, after Al-Nassr’s, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Neymar had only played five matches for Al-Hilal before the injury. He is currently in year two of his $100 million a season deal and while the club seemingly has an unlimited resources, they’ll be keen to see any kind of return on their massive investment.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1732290298labto1732290298ofdlr1732290298owedi1732290298sni@o1732290298fni1732290298
