Al Hilal confirmed on Wednesday that Neymar is expected to be sidelined for an additional four to six weeks due to a tear in his hamstring.
Neymar marked his second club appearance after a year-long injury absence by coming on as a substitute in the 58th minute of Al-Hilal’s 3-0 victory over Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday. However, just minutes before the final whistle, he pulled up while reaching for the ball and was forced to leave the field.
“Unfortunately, it is not a simple injury and he seems to be suffering from muscle pain, and it is not a knee issue,” Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said in a press conference. “He is expected to be out for two weeks.”
Neymar took to social media to reassure his followers, writing, “Hopefully, it’s nothing serious. It’s normal for these things to happen after a year out, as the doctors had already cautioned me. I just need to be cautious and gradually increase my minutes on the field.”
🚨| Neymar made his return for Al Hilal, coming on in the 58th minute against Esteghlal, only to be subbed off in the 87th due to injury. 🤕💔
— The Shinguards (@shinguardss) November 4, 2024
Reports in Saudi Arabian media have suggested that Neymar’s absence could extend for up to three weeks, with speculation that Al-Hilal might not register him for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season, despite his contract running until June 2025.
Since joining Al Hilal in August 2023 for a reported $90 million, Neymar has featured in only seven matches for the 19-time Saudi champions. He is not registered to play in domestic league fixtures due to the club having already filled their quota of 10 foreign players, although he is eligible to participate in continental competitions. A new registration window will open in January.
Al Hilal set their sights on Mohammad Salah
According to a report, Al Hilal is eager to secure Mohamed Salah’s signature before next summer’s Club World Cup. The speculation surrounding the 32-year-old is growing stronger, with the Mirror now reporting that the Saudi Arabian champions are intensifying their efforts to sign him.
Salah, 31, will be out of contract at the end of the season, with his current deal set to expire on June 30. The Egypt international has long been linked with a move to the wealthy Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ittihad, the then-champions, having a £150 million offer for him rejected by Liverpool last summer.
According to talkSPORT, Al-Hilal are planning to secure Salah’s signature in a lucrative deal before the newly-expanded Club World Cup begins on June 15. The current Saudi champions have qualified for the 32-team tournament in the United States, alongside Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea.
Read More: Carlo Ancelotti Reveals If Kylian Mbappe’s Inclusion Has Hurt Real Madrid
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
