New Delhi: Al Hilal’s Neymar is expected to undergo treatment and undergo recovery for a duration of four to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury. He was returning to the side after an absence of 12 months and was played as a 58th-minute substitute during his side’s 3-0 win against Esteghlal of Iran during the AFC Champions League Elite.
During the game, the Brazilian was in visible pain after stretching for the ball with just three minutes in the clock and ultimately had to be replaced. Speaking about Neymar, Jorge Jesus, the Al Hilal coach, mentioned that the injury seemed to be a muscle pain and not a knee injury. His absence has given rise to speculation on the 32-year-old’s future at the Saudi Arabian club.
Initially, the former Barcelona star took to social media and noted that the injury was more due to returning to play after a year’s gap. He further explained that the doctors had warned him of this, and he needed to spend more playing minutes to get back to his former self.
🔹 Neymar undergoes scans pic.twitter.com/Gt7T4GxvKh
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) November 6, 2024
His absence has given rise to speculation on the 32-year-old’s future at the Saudi Arabian club. According to Saudi Arabian media, Al Hilal may not register Neymar in the second half of the Saudi Pro, with the Brazilian winger’s contract finishing in June 2025. For the 19-time Saudi champions, Neymar has only played seven times after moving from PSG in August 2023. Due to the 10-foreign limit in the domestic league, Neymar isn’t registered to play, but he can take part in continental competitions.
Neymar’s injury woes continue
Injuries have been a constant feature in Neymar’s life, and his style of playing makes him prone to them. He is a target of defenders for his run at the opposition and sharp feet. During his time at Barca days, he has spent short durations on the sidelines. However, after turning 28, his injuries have become more frequent and more prolonged.
Neymar has been the worst hit since his move to PSG, suffering repeated abductor pain and ankle issues since the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. After moving to Al-Hilal, he immediately suffered a muscular problem that saw him out of action for seven games. Within a month of his return, an ACL tear saw him out of action for a year, which saw him return to action last Monday only to now sit out of the game for six weeks.
Returning to football action after a year, Neymar is again on the sidelines until the middle of December as rumours about his departure form Al-Hilal continues to grow. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
