Neymar will need to be patient for a while longer at Al-Hilal. On Friday evening, the Brazilian, who has recovered from a cruciate ligament injury, was absent from the match squad during the top clash in the Saudi Pro League against Al-Nassr (1-1). It now appears that the 32-year-old forward will not feature in any competitive matches this calendar year.
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In October 2023, Neymar suffered a significant injury when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier with Brazil against Uruguay.
The match, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for Brazil, added further disappointment to the situation. To make matters worse, Neymar also sustained damage to his meniscus, adding complexity to the recovery process and extending the period he would be sidelined from competitive play.
The rehabilitation process for such a severe injury is intensive and requires a high level of commitment. Neymar's treatment involved surgery, followed by a structured recovery program aimed at restoring strength, flexibility, and full functionality to his knee. This type of injury not only challenges a player's physical abilities but also tests their mental resilience, as the rehabilitation process can be long and painstaking. Neymar’s progress was carefully monitored, and by September 2024, he resumed training, signaling his gradual return to form. His first competitive appearance following the injury was on October 21, during an AFC Champions League match away against Al-Ain. The match ended in a dramatic 5-4 victory for Al-Hilal, marking an important comeback for Neymar and a boost for his team.
Despite Neymar’s return to action, he did not pass the fitness evaluations needed to be registered for the Saudi Pro League ahead of the season. Al-Hilal's decision not to include him in their league roster was influenced by the regulations set by the Saudi football association, which impose a limit on the number of foreign players that clubs can register. This limitation meant that, even though Neymar had made strides in his recovery, he was not eligible to participate in domestic league matches. However, the AFC Champions League does not impose these same restrictions, allowing Neymar to compete at the continental level. As a result, Neymar is expected to play when Al-Hilal faces Esteghlal, an Iranian team, on Monday.
The Saudi Pro League’s registration window is set to reopen in January 2025, presenting an opportunity for Al-Hilal to officially include Neymar in their domestic league lineup. This potential registration would come at a crucial time as Al-Hilal gears up for key matches in the latter part of the season. One of the most anticipated matches will be a home game against Al-Nassr, which boasts Cristiano Ronaldo in its ranks. This clash, scheduled for April, promises to draw significant attention from fans and media as it would showcase two of the sport’s biggest stars competing on the same field.
In the most recent face-off between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, held on Friday, the match concluded in a tightly contested 1-1 draw. Al-Nassr took an early lead with a goal from Talisca in the first minute, putting pressure on Al-Hilal from the start. However, Al-Hilal managed to level the score when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic found the back of the net in the 77th minute, ensuring the match ended evenly. This result allowed Al-Hilal to maintain their position at the top of the league table, while Al-Nassr remained in third place, six points behind the leaders. The outcome highlighted the fierce competition within the league and set the stage for more exciting encounters between these teams in the future.
Neymar’s involvement in upcoming AFC Champions League matches and the possibility of playing in the Saudi Pro League starting in January represent an important phase in his return to top-level football. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he contributes to Al-Hilal’s pursuit of both domestic and international success, as he aims to regain his peak form after such a challenging period.
Updated: 01:39, 2 Nov 2024
