Neymar’s injury woes have resurfaced, leaving both Al Hilal and Brazilian fans concerned as the footballer faces another extended period on the sidelines.
After returning to the field just recently following a lengthy recovery, Neymar now faces a 4-6 week rehabilitation due to a hamstring injury. The setback raises doubts about his future with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and his ability to contribute to both club and country during this crucial period.
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Neymar’s Brief Comeback Cut Short
Neymar had just started to find his rhythm after a 12-month injury hiatus, making his second appearance for Al Hilal on November 4. The Brazilian came off the bench in the 58th minute during Al Hilal’s commanding 3-0 victory over Esteghlal of Iran in the AFC Champions League Elite. However, his return to action was marred by an unfortunate injury.
With just three minutes left in the match, Neymar appeared to pull up while stretching for the ball, a move that led to him being replaced almost immediately. This injury setback followed a long recovery process after Neymar had been sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury for over a year.
The Nature of the Injury
Following the match, Neymar took to social media to update his fans on the injury. In an Instagram story, the forward shared his thoughts on the situation, expressing hope that the issue was not too serious. He wrote, “Hopefully nothing too much… It’s normal that after one year [out] this happens, the doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes.”
Despite his optimistic tone, Al Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, offered a more sobering assessment during a press conference in Riyadh. “Unfortunately, it is not a simple injury, and he seems to be suffering from muscle pain, and it is not a knee issue,” Jesus stated. The news confirmed that Neymar’s current problem was not related to his previous knee injury, but rather a muscle strain that would require careful treatment and rehabilitation.
The Road to Recovery: 4-6 Weeks of Rehab
As reported by Al Hilal, Neymar will undergo a period of recovery spanning four to six weeks to treat the hamstring injury. The timing of the injury has sparked concern among fans and the media alike, especially considering Neymar’s injury history and his recent struggles to regain full fitness.
This setback is particularly disappointing as Neymar was just beginning to regain match fitness following his ACL recovery. Now, he faces another extended absence from competitive action.
Neymar’s Al Hilal Future in Question
The latest injury raises questions about Neymar’s future with Al Hilal, where he has struggled to make a significant impact. Since joining the Saudi Pro League club in August 2023 for a reported fee of $90 million, Neymar has featured in only seven games.
However, Neymar’s participation in domestic league matches has been limited due to the club’s quota of foreign players being full. He is currently not registered to play in the Saudi Pro League but has been allowed to feature in continental competitions. With the new registration window for foreign players opening in January, there are speculations that Al Hilal might decide against registering Neymar for the second half of the domestic season.
Contract Situation and Speculation
Neymar’s contract with Al Hilal runs until June 2025, but given his injury history and limited appearances, questions about his long-term commitment to the club are inevitable. Saudi Arabian media have speculated that Al Hilal could consider not registering Neymar for the remainder of the season, especially if his injury recovery proves more protracted than expected.
Given his injury struggles and the club’s foreign player limits, the situation has prompted speculation about whether Neymar’s time in Saudi Arabia might be shorter than initially anticipated. With several months left before the next transfer window opens, Al Hilal’s decision will depend on Neymar’s recovery and whether the club wants to continue their investment in the Brazilian star.
Neymar’s injury has once again put a halt to his return to football after a lengthy recovery from an ACL tear. The Brazilian will now face a few weeks of rehabilitation, with concerns rising about his future with Al Hilal. While Neymar remains hopeful that his latest setback will not be a major issue, it remains to be seen whether this injury will affect his career trajectory in Saudi Arabia and his potential role for Brazil moving forward. Fans of both Al Hilal and Neymar will be eagerly awaiting updates on his recovery, hoping for a swift return to action.
Read More: Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni Sidelined for a Month in Latest Injury Blow
How long will Neymar be out due to injury?
Neymar is expected to miss 4-6 weeks for rehabilitation after suffering a hamstring injury.
What happened during Neymar’s recent match for Al Hilal?
Neymar injured his hamstring in the final minutes of Al Hilal’s 3-0 win over Esteghlal after coming on as a substitute.
Is Neymar’s injury related to his previous knee problem?
No, Neymar’s current injury is muscle-related, not a knee issue, as confirmed by Al Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus.
Could Neymar’s time at Al Hilal be in jeopardy?
There are speculations that Al Hilal may not register Neymar for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season, given his injury history and limited appearances.
