Neymar's Saudi nightmare goes from bad to worse

Tom Weber

Updated: 5 Nov 2024 03:38 CST
3 min read

Neymar just can't seem to kickstart his Saudi Pro League career and he will now once again be sidelined with injury.

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The Brazilian megastar has to date only made seven appearances for Al-Hilal following his €90 million transfer in 2023. A heartbreaking ACL injury robbed Neymar of his first year in Saudi Arabia and things haven't gone much better since.

He returned in the AFC Champions League last month for a 13-minute cameo against Al-Ain and again featured in the competition on Monday when Al-Hilal hosted Iranian side Esteghlal.

However, Neymar ultimately only lasted 29 minutes before once again being forced off due to injury following a challenge that left him holding the back of his leg.

Extent of injury still unknown

After the match, the 32-year-old posted on social media: "I hope it's nothing serious. It's normal for this to happen after a year. The doctors had already warned me. That's why I have to be careful and play more minutes.”

The extent of his injury is still unknown, but coach Jorge Jesus expects him to be out at least two weeks. “He returned from an injury that is not easy. He plays in a position that makes him very vulnerable to contact. I believe his injury is muscular, not in the knee. He should be out for at least two weeks.”

In light of Neymar's new injury, Jesus' decision to refuse to register him for the Saudi Pro League has been vindicated. “I didn't register him in the league because I knew it could happen again. It's not a simple injury,” the Portuguese tactician said.

Neymar's latest blow will do little to endear him to Saudi bosses, who had already been harbouring concerns about their big-money investment. His contract expires next summer and it seems that a departure - perhaps a return to Santos - is becoming more and more likely.