Neymar has officially rejoined team training at Al-Hilal after a lengthy recovery from a severe knee injury.
The Brazilian star is now set to travel with the squad for their crucial Asian Champions League match against UAE Pro League side Al-Ain, marking a significant moment in his comeback.
Neymar’s Road to Recovery
The 32-year-old forward had been sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. The injury required surgery the following month, forcing Neymar to miss the rest of Brazil’s qualifying campaign and the 2024 Copa America in the United States, where the Seleção crashed out in the quarterfinals for the second straight major tournament.
Neymar’s return is a big boost for Al-Hilal, which signed the former PSG and Barcelona forward in August 2023 for a reported $97.8 million. However, his first stint in the Saudi Pro League was hampered by muscle injuries, limiting him to just five appearances before the ACL setback.
Al-Hilal Confirms Neymar’s Comeback
Al-Hilal celebrated Neymar’s recovery on social media, posting: “Neymar participated in team training and will join the squad for the trip to Al-Ain. He’s back!” Neymar’s debut for the Saudi club could greatly influence the team’s performance. They face Al-Ain on Monday at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, aiming to ignite their Asian Champions League run.
Al-Hilal fans are eager to see Neymar in top form, especially as the club pursues both domestic and continental success this season. His return could also provide vital momentum as the team aims to reclaim dominance in the Saudi Pro League after fierce competition from rivals like Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr.
A Star with High Expectations
Known as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Neymar’s reputation precedes him. While fans anticipated seeing him light up the Saudi Pro League, his early injury struggles delayed his impact. However, his return offers a new opportunity for Al-Hilal to make the most of his talents in their push for trophies on multiple fronts.
With Neymar back in action, the club and fans alike will hope he can avoid further setbacks and become the driving force they envisioned when he arrived in Riyadh. All eyes will now be on Monday’s fixture to see how the Brazilian superstar performs in his much-anticipated return.
