Neymar Junior finally returns from injury to Al Hilal and plays football after 369 days

• Brazilian striker Neymar Junior made his long-awaited return from injury against Al Ain on Monday 21 October.
• The former Barcelona and PSG star was a second-half substitute for hat-trick hero Salem Al Dawsari.
• Unfortunately, he will not be available for Hilal in the Saudi League due to the restriction on the number of foreign players allowed

Finally, Neymar Jr. made his long-awaited return to the pitch after a year’s absence through injury in Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League match against Al Ain of the Emirates.

The Brazilian superstar had been sidelined since suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October last year.

Neymar’s year-long battle with injuries

The 32-year-old striker, who joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile move worth around €90m in August 2023 , had played just five games for his new club before his injury setback, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

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According to Transfermarkt, his long absence saw him miss 53 games, a number that highlights how crucial his recovery process has been for both club and country.

Al-Hilal confirmed Neymar’s return after training and traveling with the squad the week before the game, marking a key moment in their season.

Finally, Neymar returns from injury

Returning to the field on 21 October, he took part in the Asian Champions League clash, showing flashes of the world-class ability that has made him one of football’s top talents.

He replaced skipper Salem Al Dawsari in the 77th minute.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet, the former PSG superstar helped his side to a frantic 5-4 win against Al Ain.

What’s next for Neymar?

Neymar’s return is essential for Al-Hilal, especially in continental competition.

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The AFC Champions League allows an unlimited number of foreign players, making the Brazilian eligible for crucial knockout stages.

However, due to restrictions on foreign players in the Saudi Pro League, their participation will be restricted until January.

In the meantime, he could return to the national team for the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers in November.

With Brazil’s attack struggling in recent outings, his return would be a timely boost as the team look to secure their place at the global event.

Neymar urged to join Arsenal

before, TUKO.co.ke reported which ignited speculation about his possible return to European football.

The surprising suggestion came during a boxing event in Saudi Arabia, where boxing promoter and dedicated Arsenal fan Frank Warren publicly called for Neymar to join the Gunners.

Editing by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, TUKO.co.ke journalist and editor

Source: YEN.com.gh