Neymar has returned to full team training and will rejoin Al-Hilal for their upcoming AFC Champions League clash against UAE Pro League side Al-Ain, following a long recovery from a severe knee injury.
The Saudi Pro League club confirmed the 32-year-old’s inclusion in the squad for the away fixture.
The Brazilian forward has been sidelined since October 2023 when he sustained the injury during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.
His absence followed a challenging transition to Saudi football, after moving from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023 for a reported fee of €90 million, $97.8 million.
Neymar managed only five appearances for Al-Hilal before being sidelined, having also been dealing with ongoing muscle issues.
The injury also forced Neymar to miss Brazil’s 2024 Copa America campaign in the United States, a tournament where the team faced disappointment with a quarter-final exit to Croatia, marking their second consecutive defeat at this stage of a major competition after losing on penalties in the 2022 World Cup.
Al-Hilal announced Neymar’s comeback on their social media, stating, “Al-Hilal is happy to announce that Neymar will join the squad for the away trip to Al-Ain. He’s back.” Another post highlighted his readiness, saying, “Neymar participated in team training after completing his recovery program.”
Al-Hilal is set to face Al-Ain at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Monday, a significant moment for the club as they welcome their star player back into action after nearly a year on the sidelines.
