Saudi Pro League: More bad news for Neymar Jr

Away from the field since last November, Neymar Jr will not be playing again anytime soon. Injured since October 2023 while with the Brazilian national team, Neymar Jr has not returned to the football field. Operated on in November, the former left winger of Paris Saint-Germain hoped to make his comeback this summer, but that will not be the case.

Leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer, Neymar Jr officially signed with Al Hilal FC in Saudi Arabia. However, the Brazilian has only played 5 matches since his arrival, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists. He has been kept off the field due to an injury sustained during the match against Uruguay (a 2-0 loss for Brazil) last October as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

During this match, the former FC Barcelona winger left the field after suffering a severe knee injury following contact with De la Cruz. Operated on in Brazil in November, the former Parisian is suffering from a torn cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, keeping him away from the field for a long duration.

While Neymar hoped to play again this summer, his doctor had already indicated in December that he would not be returning soon. Echoing Dr. Lasmar’s assessment, Al Hilal FC coach Jorge Jesus provided an update on Neymar’s situation. According to the Portuguese coach, the Brazilian forward will miss the start of the 2024-2025 season with the Saudi team.

« All I know for now is that the time needed for Neymar to recover, and generally for this type of injury, is 10 to 11 months. If we do the math, he will not be ready for pre-season preparation », Jorge Jesus stated on Tuesday. The message is clear. Neymar will have to wait longer before making his comeback.

Pascal Amstrong