Neymar’s return to the pitch has been marred by another setback, as the Brazilian star was forced to exit Al-Hilal’s Asian Champions League match against Esteghlal after only 29 minutes on the field. The forward, who came on as a substitute in the 58th minute, pulled up with a leg issue in the 87th. This marked only Neymar’s second appearance since returning from a year-long absence following ACL surgery on his left knee. Despite the abrupt exit, he downplayed concerns, explaining on Instagram that the pain felt like a strong cramp and vowing to undergo tests to ensure it wasn’t more serious.
Acknowledging the challenges of a lengthy recovery, Neymar reflected on his situation, noting that doctors had forewarned him of such occurrences during his reintegration into regular play. He emphasized the importance of gradually increasing his minutes on the pitch to avoid further complications. His social media posts showed optimism, expressing gratitude to fans for their support and highlighting his happiness at playing at home again. Despite the injury, Neymar remains committed to recovering and contributing to Al-Hilal’s campaign.
Brazil’s national team has opted to exclude Neymar from their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay. Coach Dorival Junior explained that the decision was made to avoid pressuring Neymar, who is not yet in peak physical condition due to limited game time since his return. While Neymar expressed willingness to join the squad, both he and the coaching staff prioritized his recovery process and respected the club’s efforts to manage his return cautiously. His absence reflects a shared understanding of the importance of patience in his rehabilitation.
Neymar joined Al-Hilal in 2023, ending his turbulent tenure with Paris Saint-Germain in a £78 million move. The transfer, part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s high-profile acquisitions, has been a significant financial boost for Neymar, who earns a staggering £130 million annually. However, his contributions on the field have been limited, with just six appearances so far. His injury struggles underline the challenges he faces in justifying his hefty contract and living up to the expectations tied to his star power.
Al-Hilal’s overall performance this season has been strong despite Neymar’s limited availability. They currently lead the Saudi Pro League by six points after nine matches and are also excelling in the Asian Champions League. In their latest victory over Esteghlal, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s hat-trick secured their place at the top of their group. While Neymar’s recovery remains a concern, the team’s success provides a positive backdrop for his gradual return to form.
