Al Hilal confirm that Neymar has suffered a tear in his hamstring, which will keep him out for 4 to 6 weeks

Neymar is expected to undergo treatment and rehabilitation lasting four to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, Al Hilal confirmed on Wednesday, intensifying speculation over the Brazilian’s future with the Saudi Arabian club.

The talented forward made his second club appearance following a lengthy 12-month injury layoff by coming on as a substitute in the 58th minute of Al Hilal’s impressive 3-0 victory over Esteghlal of Iran in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday. This comeback was eagerly anticipated by fans and stakeholders within the club, given Neymar’s status as one of the world’s top footballers.

However, the situation took a disappointing turn as Neymar pulled up after stretching for the ball with just three minutes remaining in the match. He had to be replaced on the pitch, raising immediate concerns about the severity of the injury. Al Hilal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, addressed the media during a news conference in Riyadh, noting, “Unfortunately, it is not a simple injury and he seems to be suffering from muscle pain and it is not a knee issue.” This statement hints at a possibly prolonged recovery for the Brazilian star, which could have significant implications for both his and the club’s future.

In a bid to keep his fans in the loop, Neymar took to social media to provide an update. He expressed his cautious optimism, writing, “Hopefully nothing too much.” He acknowledged the challenges of returning to peak form, remarking, “It’s normal that after one year [out] this happens; the doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes.” His commitment to recovery and cautious approach reflects the realities athletes often face when returning after long injuries, emphasizing the importance of listening to medical advice.

Speculation is rife in Saudi Arabian media, which suggests that Al Hilal may not register Neymar for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season. This would be an unfortunate twist for both the player and the club, as Neymar’s talents are undoubtedly vital for the squad’s prospects. Currently, Neymar has played in just seven games for the 19-time Saudi champion since signing in August 2023 for a reported fee of $90 million. However, he is not currently registered to participate in domestic league games, as Al Hilal has reached its limit of 10 foreign players. Nevertheless, he is permitted to play in continental competitions, providing some hope for fans eager to see him back on the field.

As the recovery process unfolds, both Neymar and Al Hilal will be closely monitored in the coming weeks to assess his fitness and how this injury might affect the club’s plans moving forward in the league and international competitions.