Is Neymar Back? Star Winger Unexpectedly Included in Al-Hilal's AFC Champions League Squad: REPORTS

Neymar Jr. is one of the most well-known names in football, but the former Barcelona striker's career has taken a catastrophic downturn in recent years, with injuries plaguing him every time he steps on the field to exhibit his talent. Neymar joined the Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal in 2023 for a record amount; however, he only played five games due to a knee injury that sidelined him for the season. Neymar last played in October 2023 for Brazil in a WC qualifier and has since been recovering since then. Many still wonder when Neymar will return to the field after being sidelined for over a year, but fans can anticipate his presence on the pitch before the year ends. 

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Neymar has been included in Al-Hilal’s squad for the AFC Champions League 

Though he has been out with an injury for over a year, Neymar Jr. has been shockingly included on Al-Hilal's squad for the AFC Champions League. Last October during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, the Brazilian star suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage.

Although first projections indicated Neymar may play by October 2024, it now seems his recovery might be postponed until January of the next year.

Al-Riyadiya claims that Neymar Jr. is now part of Al-Hilal's 31-player team for the AFC Champions League. Teams may change their squad up to five days before their first game according to registration restrictions set by the AFC. The team stays set until the group stage ends after this deadline passes.

Furthermore, recent developments indicate that Neymar could not be registered for the Saudi Pro League till the winter transfer window begins. For now, Manager Jorge Jesus is depending on new hire Renan Lodi.

The Saudi Pro League's cap of eight foreign players per club aligns with this decision. Jesus decided to reevaluate his status in January since Neymar was not ready to contribute then.

Well, Neymar’s absence may not have affected Al-Hilal, as they won the Saudi Pro League, Kings Cup, and Saudi Super Cup without him. The team that has struggled the most without him is his national team. Brazil is having one of the worst times of their lives, from being one of the most feared teams around to world to being ranked 5th in the FIFA World Cup South American Qualifiers table, 8 points behind the World Champions Argentina. 

Why do they miss Neymar? It is because the new generation is not able to handle the pressure and there are chemistry struggles within the team.  The nation’s all-time top goal scorer, Neymar is anticipated to bring back the glory days once he is fit to play the sport again. 

On September 17 Al-Hilal will start their AFC Champions League run against Al Rayyan from Qatar.