Neymar returns to action after year-long absence

Brazilian star Neymar Jr returned to the pitch after over a year of absence due to an ACL tear. He came off the bench during Al Hilal’s victory over Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite game.
He was brought on to replace Nasser Al Dawsari in the 77th minute of the encounter moments after Al Hilal went up 5-3 thanks to a Salem Al Dawsari goal. He got a chance soon after coming on, combining with Aleksandar Mitrovic to create room for an attempt which he played wide of the goal. Al Hilal came away with a 5-4 win after the Emirati club pulled another one back from the spot to reduce the margin just before the full-time whistle. Neymar expressed his joy at being back on the pitch after the game. He said, “I feel good… I always have a good team. I’m so happy. I’m back! I’m back!”
The former Barcelona superstar tore his cruciate ligament while on international duty with Brazil shortly after his move to Al Hilal. He was operated on in November 2023, after playing just five games for the Saudi Pro League side following his €90 million transfer from PSG in August 2023. Subsequently, he missed out on Brazil’s 2024 Copa America outing.
He was able to appear in the AFC Champions League for Al Hilal due to the lack of restriction on the number of foreign players a team can field. He would not be eligible to play in the Saudi Pro League until January when the club registers him for the second half of the season. The Brazilian has a contract with the Saudi club until June 2025.
It is hoped that Neymar who is Brazil’s all-time highest goalscorer will be available for the national team during the November World Cup qualifiers when they face Venezuela and Uruguay. The five-time world champions stand fourth in their World Cup qualifying group and are separated from leaders Argentina by four points.