Neymar’s Stadium Comeback Put on Hold: What’s Next for the Al Hilal Star

Fans of Saudi Al Hilal team are waiting for the return of Neymar, the star star of the Brazilian team, after a year of absence due to injury.

Spanish newspaper “Marca” surveyed the Brazilian’s condition, although his return was postponed until next January. He confirmed that Neymar looked normal in Al Hilal training and that he could participate in the Cup or Champions League competition in the next few days.

However, Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that the Brazilian star is not ready for an imminent return to action with the team.

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🔴 From the Al-Hilal star’s recent training, there has been a noticeable improvement in jumping and stability, and Neymar’s knee confidence is better than last time. It is true that the video has some observations and weaknesses (and it will develop) in the coming period with training, but in general, currently His condition is better.@Ithamar_7 From 📌 pic.twitter.com/mjXPSwMMWg

– VIP Fan 🌐 (@aljmaaher) September 25, 2024

After Neymar (aged 32) returned to training last July, speculation mounted that he was close to a return to action, but Jesus downplayed the expectations during a press conference.

The newspaper noted that Neymar’s lack of discipline during treatment contributed to the delay in his return to the stadium, which forced the team management to delay his registration on the list.

With teams in the Saudi Professional League allowed to register a maximum of eight foreign players over the age of 21, Marcos Leonardo, who was signed from Benfica in early September, replaced Neymar in the first half of the league season.

Since signing for two seasons in the summer of 2023, the Brazilian has played just 5 matches (3 in the league and 2 in the AFC Champions League). Which mathematically means that each match costs Al Hilal around 20 million Euros.

The Brazilian star played a total of 386 minutes and contributed to 4 goals, scoring one goal and providing 3 assists.

Neymar faced Al-Riyadh, Damak and Al-Shabaab in the Saudi League and Nafbakhor and Nasaji in the Champions League.

Otherwise, Neymar’s presence at the Al Hilal match was limited to taking part from the podium to cheer on his teammates.

Neymar suffered a torn cruciate ligament and cartilage injury while playing with the Brazilian national team against Uruguay in a 2026 World Cup qualifier last October.

Neymar signed a $109 million deal with Al Hilal Saudi Arabia last summer from Paris Saint-Germain.