After a Lengthy Knee Injury Layoff, Neymar Jr. Could Make His Highly Anticipated Return for Al Hilal
Al Hilal are set to welcome Brazil’s all-time top scorer, Neymar Jr., back from a long-term knee injury. Reports have indicated that the former Barcelona and PSG forward has been training with his teammates and could be ready to play as early as October 21st when Al Hilal play Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Since signing for Al Hilal, Neymar has made only five appearances. While on international duty in October 2023, he suffered a knee ligament injury, which required surgery and a long recovery time.
Al Hilal have thrived without Neymar, with players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Salem Al Dawsari stepping up to deliver wins and trophies. This has allowed Neymar to go through his recovery without any pressure to return early and risk reinjuring himself.
With caution being a priority, Neymar will only take to the pitch once Brazil’s team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, examines him and issues a clean bill of health. Lasmar, who performed Neymar’s surgery, is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia, where he will carry out the examination and offer his opinion on whether Neymar is ready to terrorize defenses once again.
Al Hilal did not register Neymar for the first half of the Saudi Pro League season, so even if he returns to full fitness, he will not be eligible to play league games until January, when the club can register him.
