Neymar’s much-anticipated return to the pitch for Al-Hilal is still shrouded in uncertainty. The Brazilian superstar, who signed for the Saudi Arabian club in August 2023, has been sidelined since suffering a serious knee injury while on international duty in October.
While Neymar, 32, resumed training in July, fueling speculation about a potential comeback, Al-Hilal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, has tempered expectations. In a post-match press conference, Jesus acknowledged Neymar’s significance to both Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League but declined to provide a definitive return date. “We will look at the situation in January,” he said.
The wait for Neymar’s return is likely to extend until January. Al-Hilal can only register a maximum of eight foreign players over the age of 21 for the first half of the Saudi Pro League season. Neymar’s spot was filled by Marcos Leonardo, who joined the club from Benfica in September. However, Neymar’s return in January coincides with the second half of the league season, making him eligible to play.
While Neymar’s return to the Saudi Pro League may be delayed, he could potentially feature in Al-Hilal’s ongoing AFC Champions League Elite campaign. This competition has no restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed, opening the door for a potential early return to continental action.
Neymar’s two-year contract with Al-Hilal runs until August 2024. As he continues his recovery, fans eagerly await the day he takes to the field again, bringing his unique talent and star power back to the Saudi Arabian league.
