Will Neymar play for Al-Hilal vs Al Ain in AFC Champions League?

Neymar could finally feature for the Saudi side again.

Al-Hilal star Neymar Jr is expected to make a comeback following a year-long injury. Neymar will be in the Al-Hilal team for tomorrow’s AFC Champions League match against Al Ain.

Neymar joined the Riyadh team in August 2023 but has only played five games before undergoing surgery in October of last year. He had ruptured his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing for his country.

“These were days of pain, anguish, and a lot of longing for football, which were overcome with the help of family and friends, always present for our number 10. And all the fans around the world who gave him all support in social media networks,” NR Sports, the Brazilian star’s marketing agency.

“Every time I get injured, I come back. But I don’t come back halfway,” a tearful Neymar said in a video.

💙🇧🇷 Neymar Jr returns available after long injury and he’s part of Al Hilal squad today!“Every day away from football it’s pain for me. I love football. It’s the thing I love the most in my life”. pic.twitter.com/a8cEK7kX9Z

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 20, 2024

“The wait is over.”

Although Neymar resumed training in July, his club coach, Jorge Jesus, tempered expectations of an instant recovery in September. The Portuguese coach did not confirm Neymar’s participation on Monday, but the player has revealed he is fit to play again. It will be interesting to see if he will be included in the squad for the game.

Since there are no restrictions on the number of international players permitted in the continental competition, Neymar, whose two-year contract expires in August of next year, is entitled to compete in AFC Champions League Elite matches. However, that is not the case in the league matches.

The former Barcelona player could also play for Brazil in their last two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in November if he is back playing for the club side.

“Though there’s no final decision for his return, the number 10 will be able to play on Monday to carry on with his remarkable trajectory,” the statement added.

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